Elevate your homemade bread game with this aromatic Fresh Herb Bread, a delightful blend of soft, fluffy texture and garden-fresh flavors. Bursting with finely chopped parsley, rosemary, and thyme, this recipe transforms a simple loaf into a bakery-style masterpiece, making it perfect for any occasion. The dough comes together effortlessly with pantry staples like all-purpose flour, olive oil, and active dry yeast, while the addition of fresh herbs adds a fragrant, savory twist. Whether shaped into a classic loaf or individual rolls, this bread pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or as a base for sandwiches. With just 20 minutes of prep time and an optional golden egg wash for a glossy finish, this Fresh Herb Bread is a must-try for bread enthusiasts and beginners alike.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
Add the olive oil, salt, and half of the flour (2 cups) to the yeast mixture. Mix until a sticky dough begins to form.
Gradually incorporate the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough becomes soft and slightly tacky but no longer sticks excessively to your hands or the bowl.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Flatten the dough slightly and sprinkle the fresh parsley, rosemary, and thyme over the surface. Fold the dough over the herbs and continue kneading for another 2-3 minutes to evenly distribute the herbs throughout the dough.
Place the dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl, turning the dough to coat it in oil. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf or divide it into smaller rolls as desired. Place the shaped dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet or into a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
Cover the dough lightly with plastic wrap or a towel and let it rise again for 30-40 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash, and gently brush it over the surface of the dough for a golden, glossy finish.
Bake for 25-30 minutes (if baking as a loaf) or 20-25 minutes (if baking as rolls), or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your fragrant, soft, and herby homemade bread!
Serving size | 972.2 grams (972.2g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2144 |
Total Fat 38.10g | 49% |
Saturated Fat 6.60g | 33% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g | |
Cholesterol 185mg | 62% |
Sodium 3627mg | 158% |
Total Carbohydrate 383.10g | 139% |
Dietary Fiber 15.00g | 54% |
Total Sugars 14.20g | |
Protein 58.60g | 117% |
Vitamin D 40IU | 200% |
Calcium 113mg | 9% |
Iron 24mg | 136% |
Potassium 791mg | 17% |
Source of Calories