Italian Herb Bread
This Italian Herb Bread is a flavorful and aromatic loaf that blends the freshness of herbs like rosemary, oregano, and thyme with the soft, airy texture of homemade bread. The crispy crust, combined with a tender crumb, makes it the perfect companion for pasta dishes, soups, or as a simple snack with olive oil. Its easy-to-follow process allows you to create a loaf that tastes like it came straight from an Italian bakery.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Loaf Pan (9x5-inch)
- 1 Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer (optional)
- 1 Kitchen Towel (for covering dough during rise)
- 1 Baking Sheet (optional, for placing the pan)
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups 440g – All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp – Active dry yeast
- 1 ½ tsp – Salt
- 2 tbsp – Olive oil
- 1 ¼ cups 300ml – Warm water
- 1 tsp – Sugar
- 2 tbsp – Fresh rosemary or 1 tbsp dried
- 2 tbsp – Fresh thyme or 1 tbsp dried
- 1 tbsp – Fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir to dissolve. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir in the herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano).
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the flour mixture along with the olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment on medium speed for about 6 minutes.
- First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread: Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the bread has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Adding fresh basil or parsley can give the bread a slightly different flavor profile.
- Dough Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, gradually add a little more flour until it’s smooth but still soft. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time.
- Crispier Crust: For an extra-crispy crust, place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking to create steam.
- Freezing: This bread freezes well. After it cools, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.