There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. This Savory Herb Bread Machine Loaf is your ticket to that experience with minimal fuss. Perfectly herby and delightfully fluffy, it's your new go-to for an effortless culinary delight.
The foundation here is water, which activates the yeast and brings everything together. Adding olive oil not only enriches the flavor but also helps keep the loaf tender. A touch of sugar feeds the yeast, ensuring a nice rise. Salt balances the flavors and controls yeast activity. The backbone of this bread, bread flour, has a higher protein content, which provides that lovely chewy texture. The star of the show, dried mixed herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme infuse every bite with savory goodness. Finally, active dry yeast is the engine that makes the bread rise beautifully.
This herb loaf pairs beautifully with a hearty soup or stew, making for a comforting meal. It's also fantastic as a base for sandwiches, especially those featuring roasted or grilled vegetables. For a simple yet satisfying snack, serve it with a generous spread of garlic butter.
Begin by assembling all your ingredients. Pour the warm water into the bread machine pan followed by the olive oil, sugar, and salt. These should form a nice base layer. Next, gently sprinkle the bread flour over the liquid. This creates a barrier between the liquid and the yeast, which is crucial for proper rise.
Make a small well in the center of the flour. This is where you'll add the dried mixed herbs and the active dry yeast. Be careful not to let the yeast touch the liquid too soon. Now, select the Basic or White Bread setting on your machine, opting for a medium crust if you can. Press start and let the machine work its magic through its various cycles.
Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully lift the pan out of the machine. Turn the loaf out onto a wire rack and let it cool completely. This helps the bread set and makes slicing easier.
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