Italian Bread Garden Loaf

Elevate your bread-baking game with this Italian Bread Garden Loaf, a hearty and flavorful artisan-style creation that's perfect for any occasion. Infused with the Mediterranean essence of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley, and a hint of Parmesan cheese, this golden loaf brings the garden to your table in every bite. The dough comes together with ease, thanks to the simplicity of all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and olive oil, and gains a rich, aromatic complexity from minced garlic. After a satisfying rise and a brief knead to incorporate the vibrant add-ins, the bread bakes to perfection with a crisp crust and soft, airy center. Ideal for pairing with a bowl of soup, a fresh salad, or as a centerpiece for your charcuterie board, this loaf is as versatile as it is delicious. With a prep time of just 25 minutes and yields for eight servings, you'll savor the joy of homemade bread that's as comforting as it is sophisticated.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups All-purpose flour
• 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1.5 cups Warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 cloves Minced garlic
• 0.5 cup Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 0.25 cup Chopped mixed fresh herbs (basil, oregano, parsley)
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast has activated.

Step 2

Add olive oil, salt, and minced garlic to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.

Step 3

Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well with a wooden spoon or your hands until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Step 4

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 7

Punch down the raised dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Gently knead in the sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.

Step 8

Shape the dough into a loaf or oval shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Cover with the towel and let it rest for another 20 minutes.

Step 9

Using a sharp knife, make three diagonal slashes on the surface of the loaf to allow steam to escape while baking.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the loaf cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1121.7 grams (1121.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2907

Total Fat 79.30g	102%
Saturated Fat 15.50g	78%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 20mg	7%
Sodium 5630mg	245%
Total Carbohydrate 491.10g	179%
Dietary Fiber 26.10g	93%
Total Sugars 91.10g
Protein 83.80g	168%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 667mg	51%
Iron 37mg	203%
Potassium 4556mg	97%

*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: 23.7%

Protein: 11.1%

Carbs: 65.2%