I remember the first time I baked this Homemade Italian Bread with Herbs. The kitchen smelled like a cozy Italian bakery. My kids ran in, asking for a slice before it cooled.
That moment became a family tradition. This Herb-Infused Italian Bread brings everyone together. It’s simple, nourishing, and pure love.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS HOMEMADE ITALIAN BREAD
You will adore this Homemade Italian Bread with Herbs because it’s foolproof. The dough comes together quickly. Fresh herbs make it smell amazing.
It’s perfect for beginners. This Herbed Italian Loaf requires no fancy equipment. Plus, the crust stays crispy, and the inside stays soft. Everyone will ask for the recipe.
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Homemade Italian Bread with Herbs
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 servings) 1x
- Diet: none
Description
A foolproof homemade Italian bread infused with aromatic herbs, featuring a crispy crust and soft interior. Perfect for beginners and versatile for any meal, from dipping in olive oil to making bruschetta, it brings cozy Italian bakery aromas into your kitchen.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups Warm water (110°F)
1 packet Active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
1 tbsp Honey or sugar
4 cups All-purpose or bread flour
2 tsp Salt
3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp Dried oregano
1 tsp Dried basil
½ tsp Garlic powder
1 tbsp Fresh rosemary (chopped)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy
- Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Pour in yeast mixture and olive oil. Add dried herbs and fresh rosemary. Stir until a shaggy dough forms
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled
- Punch down dough. Shape into a round or long loaf. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Brush with olive oil for a shiny crust. Cool on a wire rack
Notes
Use a kitchen scale for accurate flour.
Don't over-knead; it makes bread tough.
Always let yeast foam first.
A hot oven creates a crisp crust; for a softer crust, cover bread with a towel after baking.
To get a crispier crust, place a pan of water on the bottom oven rack or brush with egg wash before baking.
Store in a paper bag for 2 days; freeze wrapped in plastic then foil for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes; avoid microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Italian bread, herb bread, homemade bread, Italian loaf, herbed bread
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
For this Homemade Italian Bread with Herbs, gather simple pantry staples. Each ingredient matters for the perfect texture.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Warm water (110°F) | 1 ½ cups |
| Active dry yeast | 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) |
| Honey or sugar | 1 tbsp |
| All-purpose or bread flour | 4 cups |
| Salt | 2 tsp |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
| Fresh rosemary (chopped) | 1 tbsp |
SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS
Swap dried herbs for 2 tbsp fresh parsley. Use whole wheat flour for half the white flour. Add sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor.
Make it cheesy by mixing in ½ cup Parmesan. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This Homemade Italian Bread with Herbs adapts easily.
This herb bread is wonderfully versatile. For another delicious twist, try making Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels Recipe for a chewy, salty treat.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
First, activate the yeast. Combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Then, mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Add the dried herbs and fresh rosemary. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Next, knead the dough on a floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Place it in an oiled bowl.
Cover with a towel. Let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
Punch down the dough. Shape it into a round or long loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Brush with olive oil for a shiny crust. Cool on a wire rack. Enjoy your Homemade Italian Bread with Herbs warm.
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Use a kitchen scale for accurate flour. Don’t over-knead; it makes bread tough. Always let the yeast foam first.
A hot oven creates a crisp crust. For a softer crust, cover the bread with a towel after baking. This Homemade Italian Bread with Herbs stays fresh longer with these tips.
Perfect your bread with these baking tips. For a sweet dessert to enjoy after dinner, check out Homemade Peach Custard Pie.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
Store leftover Homemade Italian Bread with Herbs in a paper bag for 2 days. Freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic then foil.
Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. The microwave makes it chewy, so avoid it. This Herb Italian Bread tastes best warm.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
Serve this Homemade Italian Bread with Herbs alongside pasta, soup, or salad. It’s perfect for dipping in olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Pair it with tomato basil soup for a cozy meal.
Use it for bruschetta or garlic bread. Slather it with butter for breakfast. This Herbed Italian Bread works for any occasion.
Serve this aromatic bread alongside soups and salads. It pairs especially well with a refreshing Homemade Mexican Cucumber Salad for a light meal.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes. Use the same amount. Mix it directly with flour.
No need to proof it first. This Homemade Italian Bread with Herbs works well with both.
Why didn’t my bread rise well?
Check your yeast’s expiration date. Water might be too hot or too cold. Room temperature matters.
A drafty spot slows rising. This Homemade Italian Bread with Herbs needs warmth.
Can I make this bread without herbs?
Absolutely. Omit the herbs for a plain Italian loaf. Or add rosemary only. This Herb-Infused Italian Bread is flexible.
How do I get a crispier crust?
Place a pan of water on the bottom oven rack. Steam creates a crunchier crust. Brush with egg wash before baking. This Homemade Italian Bread with Herbs will shine.
Homemade Italian Bread with Herbs is a classic rustic loaf that highlights aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary. The history of Italian bread dates back centuries, with regional variations across Italy influencing modern baking.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 300mg |