Herb Bread Recipe

Introduction

This simple oven bread is an aromatic and rustic loaf perfect for any meal. Made with garlic and fresh herbs, it offers a delightful flavor and a crusty exterior with a soft, chewy interior.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as rosemary and thyme), chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and instant yeast.
2. Step 2: Add the warm water, minced garlic, and chopped herbs to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 12-18 hours at room temperature.
4. Step 4: After resting, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven inside to heat up.
5. Step 5: Once the oven is hot, carefully remove the Dutch oven and add olive oil to the bottom.
6. Step 6: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a ball.
7. Step 7: Place the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover it, and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
9. Step 9: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mixture of fresh herbs like sage or oregano for different flavor profiles.
• For a softer crust, brush the bread with olive oil or butter immediately after baking.
• If you don’t have a Dutch oven, bake the dough on a preheated baking stone or heavy baking sheet.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread; toast slices directly from the freezer to reheat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but dissolve active dry yeast in warm water first and let it activate for about 5-10 minutes before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Do I need to refrigerate the dough during the resting period?

No, this recipe calls for a long room temperature fermentation which helps develop flavor and texture. Just keep it covered to prevent drying out.

Herb Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 127 reviews

This rustic oven bread recipe combines simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, garlic, and fresh herbs to create a flavorful, crusty loaf. Using a Dutch oven and a long resting period, the bread develops a perfect texture with a golden, crispy crust and a soft, aromatic interior. Ideal for serving with soups, salads, or as a centerpiece for any meal, this easy-to-make bread is a must-try for home bakers.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 12 hours 65 minutes (including resting)
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: European
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast

Wet Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water

Flavorings

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as rosemary and thyme), chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
2. Add Wet Ingredients and Flavorings: Pour in the warm water, then add the minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs. Stir everything together until a sticky dough forms.
3. First Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. This slow fermentation develops flavor and texture.
4. Preheat Oven and Dutch Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven inside while it preheats, so it becomes hot.
5. Prepare Dutch Oven: Carefully remove the heated Dutch oven from the oven, and pour in the olive oil to coat the bottom, helping to prevent sticking and adding flavor.
6. Shape Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a smooth ball, folding it over itself to build tension on the surface.
7. Bake Covered: Place the dough ball into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes to create steam and help the bread rise and form a crust.
8. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the bread turns a deep golden brown.
9. Cool Before Slicing: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to ensure the crumb sets properly.

Notes

• Using a Dutch oven traps steam which is critical for crust development.
• The long, slow rise enhances flavor and texture without the need for kneading.
• Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• You can substitute herbs based on preference—basil, oregano, or sage work well.
• The bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be toasted the next day.

Keywords: oven bread, homemade bread, herbed bread, garlic bread, Dutch oven bread, crusty bread, slow rise bread