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