Rustic Herb Bread

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Rustic Herb Bread is the perfect way to bring the comforting aroma of fresh herbs into your kitchen. This homemade bread recipe is simple to make and fills the house with the irresistible scent of rosemary and thyme. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice, this bread is a delightful addition to any meal.

Ingredients for Rustic Herb Bread

All-purpose flour forms the base of our bread, providing structure and texture. Active dry yeast is the magical ingredient that makes our bread rise, giving it that lovely, airy texture. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors, while warm water helps activate the yeast. Olive oil adds richness and a slight fruity note, and honey balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness. Freshly chopped rosemary and thyme are the stars here, infusing the bread with their aromatic, earthy flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in a warm oven (turned off) to speed up the process.
  • For an extra crispy crust, place a shallow pan of water in the oven while baking.
  • Don't rush the kneading; the texture of the bread depends on it.

Serving Suggestions

This herb bread is a fantastic companion to soups and stews. It's also great for making sandwiches, especially with roasted vegetables and goat cheese. For a simple snack, serve it with a small dish of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs, but use half the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary.
How do I store the bread?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.

Rustic Herb Bread Recipe Walkthrough

First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Give it a quick stir with a spoon to mix them up. In a separate bowl, mix together the warm water, olive oil, and honey. Stir until the honey has dissolved, and the mixture is smooth.

Now, slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring as you go. You'll see the dough starting to form. Once it's all combined, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it feels smooth and elastic under your hands.

Next, work in the rosemary and thyme. Just sprinkle them over the dough and knead them in until they're evenly distributed. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot. You want it to double in size, which should take about an hour.

Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough to release the air, then shape it into a loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let it rest for a few minutes while your oven finishes heating up.

Bake your loaf for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's done when it's golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing to avoid squishing the bread.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • Rich in flavor: Fresh herbs infuse the bread with a delightful aroma.
  • Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, sandwich base, or dipped in olive oil.
  • No fancy equipment needed: A bowl and your hands are all it takes.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
1 cup warm water (110°F)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
1/4 cup freshly chopped rosemary
1/4 cup freshly chopped thyme

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the warm water, olive oil, and honey until well combined.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5. Incorporate the chopped rosemary and thyme into the dough.
6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
9. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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.
11. Allow to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

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