Garlic Herb Homemade Bread

Garlic Herb Homemade Bread (Soft Inside, Crispy Crust)

Description

This Garlic Herb Homemade Bread is a rustic, bakery-style loaf with a golden, crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior infused with aromatic herbs and garlic. Perfect for serving alongside soups, pasta, or simply enjoyed warm with butter, this bread delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The combination of fresh or dried herbs like rosemary and thyme adds a fragrant, savory touch, while the garlic gives it a rich depth that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced baker, this simple recipe creates a beautiful, artisan-style loaf that looks impressive and tastes even better.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast
  • 1 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1¼ cups warm water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Flavor Add-ins:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp butter (for brushing)

 Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt.
  2. Add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and herbs evenly throughout the dough.
  4. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
  7. Transfer to a lined baking tray or loaf pan.
  8. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle extra herbs if desired.
  11. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
  12. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips, Notes & Q&A

  • Use fresh herbs for stronger flavor, but dried herbs work well too.
  • Don’t skip the second rise—it ensures a lighter texture.
  • For extra crunch, place a small dish of water in the oven while baking.

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: Yes, substitute up to 50% for a denser loaf.

Q: How do I store it?
A: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Q: Can I add cheese?
A: Absolutely! Add shredded cheese for extra richness.

Servings & Nutrition (Approx.)

  • Servings: 8 slices
  • Calories: ~180 per slice
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Fat: 4 g

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