Description
This homemade herb bread recipe offers a fragrant and flavorful loaf perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or enjoying on its own with a touch of butter. Infused with fresh herbs and baked to a golden crust, this bread is both comforting and simple to make, bringing the warm aroma of herbs and fresh-baked bread right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
Herbs & Flavorings
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and chopped fresh herbs. Add the minced garlic for extra flavor. Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape Loaf: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf, and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough again and let it rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until it puffs up.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough completes the second rise.
- Bake Bread: Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can check doneness by inserting a thermometer; internal temperature should be about 190°F (88°C).
- Cool Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing to allow the crumb to set properly.
Notes
- You can substitute dried herbs but reduce the amount to 1-2 teaspoons total, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- For a crispier crust, place a small oven-safe dish with water on the oven floor while baking to create steam.
- Store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
- Feel free to add seeds or nuts like sunflower seeds or walnuts for extra texture.
