Italian Herb Bread
Italian Herb Bread is a delightful, fragrant bread that's easy to make at home. With a golden crust and aromatic blend of herbs, it's perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Bread ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup warm water Ensure water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
- 2 tablespoons mixed Italian herbs Such as oregano, basil, and thyme.
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese Optional, for sprinkling on top before baking.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add the flour, salt, olive oil, and Italian herbs to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Let it rise for another 30 minutes. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before baking.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm with butter.
Notes
To keep your Italian Herb Bread fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer; it can last up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature when ready to enjoy.