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Introduction
This looks like a beautifully baked garlic herb bread loaf—golden, crusty on the outside, and soft on the inside, infused with aromatic herbs and bits of garlic. It’s the kind of bread that fills your kitchen with a warm, comforting smell and pairs perfectly with soups, pasta, or simply butter. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced baker, this recipe is simple and very rewarding.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (not hot)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the garlic herb topping:
- 2–3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh or dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
- ½ tsp salt (optional)
Instructions
1. Activate the yeast
In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Make the dough
Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. First rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the loaf
Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a baking tray or in a loaf pan.
5. Add topping
Mix garlic, herbs, and melted butter. Brush this mixture generously over the dough. You can lightly score the top for a rustic look.
6. Second rise
Let the shaped dough rest for another 20–30 minutes.
7. Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
8. Cool
Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to keep the texture intact.
Conclusion
This garlic herb bread is simple yet incredibly flavorful, with a crisp crust and soft interior. It’s perfect fresh out of the oven and even better when shared. Once you try it, you’ll likely want to experiment with different herbs, cheeses, or even stuffed variations.
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