2 ½cupsall purpose flour(same as plain flour -UK OR cake flour)
1teaspoonsalt
1 ½teaspoonsbaking powder
½teaspoonbaking soda(bicarbonate of soda)
Herbs: Use the following herbs or See notes on herb suggestions and substitutions
2Tablespoonschopped fresh parsley
2Tablespoonschopped fresh rosemary
1teaspoonItalian dried herbs
Cheese and garlic butter
½cupshredded parmesan or cheddar cheese(divided)
4Tablespoonsgarlic butter melted, (store bought or homemade)(see notes on garlic butter)
If making homemade garlic butter
1clovecrushed garlic
4Tablespoonssalted butter, melted (add ¼ teaspoon salt if using unsalted butter)
Instructions
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking pan
Position the oven rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350° F / 180° C (160° C fan)
Grease and line the baking pan: (see notes on selecting the right baking pan)
If making homemade garlic butter
In a small bowl, combine crushed garlic with melted butter.
Allow the garlic to infuse into the butter for about 5 minutes. (Leave longer for more garlic flavor)
Use a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain garlic from the butter, leaving the garlic in the sieve.
Set aside until ready to use in the recipe
Make the bread batter
In a large bowl, combine milk, sour cream or plain yogurt and vegetable or olive oil
Sift in all purpose flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and herbs.
Mix lightly with a spatula until just combined.
Scoop batter into baking pan and bake
Use an ice cream scoop or a tablespoon to cover the bottom of the pan with batter. (Refer to the images in the post above for visual guidance.)
Sprinkle ¼ cup of Parmesan or cheddar cheese over the batter.
Repeat the process by scooping the remaining batter on top of the cheese.
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese on the second layer of batter.
Drizzle the melted garlic butter (whether it's store-bought or homemade) over the unbaked bread.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and baked. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Storage
Best eaten on same day as preparation
Or store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Reheat for a few minutes in the microwave or oven before serving.
Notes
Herb suggestions: Feel free to opt for a single herb, be it dried or fresh, that you love or have on hand in your kitchen for this recipe. Alternatively, try these combinations to add a burst of amazing flavor.
Classic Italian Herb Blend: Basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary create a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
Garlic and Parsley: A classic combination that adds a savory and aromatic twist to any bread.
Rosemary and Sea Salt:The earthy, pine-like flavor of rosemary pairs exceptionally well with the simplicity of sea salt.
Dill and Chive: Ideal for a lightly flavored bread, these herbs bring a hint of onion and a burst of freshness.
Sage and Onion: A perfect choice for savory bread, sage's warm, peppery flavors complement the sweetness of onion.
Tips for Herb Substitutions:Fresh to Dried and Vice Versa
Use dried herbs in Smaller Quantities: Dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh ones, so you typically need less. As a general rule, use one-third of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
Use fresh herbs in Larger Quantities: Fresh herbs are milder, so you generally need a larger quantity. As a rule, I use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
Garlic butter: You have the choice to prepare your own homemade garlic butter using the simple recipe I've shared or opt for the convenience of store-bought garlic butter.Selecting the right baking pan: I baked this bread using a greased pan that measured 13 inches (35cm) in length, 4 inches (10cm) in width, and had a height of 1 ⅛ inches (3cm).
If you prefer something similar, you can opt for an 8-inch (20cm) square or round baking pan.
An 8-inch (20cm) loaf pan is also a great choice. Simply line it with parchment paper, allowing for an overhang to make it easier to remove the baked bread. After baking, use the overhang to lift the bread out and place it on a breadboard or plate for serving.