Al Fresco Bread

Bring a touch of rustic charm to your table with Al Fresco Bread, a fragrant and flavorful homemade loaf perfect for outdoor dining or elevating any meal. This artisan-style bread combines the earthy aroma of fresh rosemary and thyme with a hint of garlic, creating a delightful medley of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Crafted with simple pantry staples, it features a golden, crusty exterior and a soft, pillowy interior that's ideal for dipping into olive oil or serving alongside soups, salads, or hearty main courses. With just 25 minutes of prep time and a heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes, this recipe is a must-try for bread enthusiasts and dinner hosts alike. Perfectly herbaceous, delightfully rustic, and universally satisfying, Al Fresco Bread is more than just a side—it's a savory centerpiece to any meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams All-purpose flour
• 325 milliliters Warm water
• 1 packet Active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon Chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.

Step 3

Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until it starts to come together, then transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.

Step 4

Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour, a little at a time.

Step 5

Flatten the dough slightly and sprinkle the rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder evenly over the surface. Knead the dough gently for another 1-2 minutes to evenly distribute the herbs.

Step 6

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly dust it with flour.

Step 8

Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and shape it into a round loaf or oval, depending on your preference. Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 9

Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow slashes across the top of the dough for ventilation and aesthetic appeal.

Step 10

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 11

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Al Fresco Bread warm with olive oil or as a side to your favorite dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	882.5 grams (882.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2122

Total Fat 33.20g	43%
Saturated Fat 5.10g	26%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3555mg	155%
Total Carbohydrate 391.00g	142%
Dietary Fiber 15.40g	55%
Total Sugars 5.30g
Protein 54.90g	110%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 77mg	6%
Iron 24mg	133%
Potassium 706mg	15%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 14.3%

Protein: 10.5%

Carbs: 75.1%