🥖 Garlic Herb Crusty Bread (Homemade Artisan Loaf)
Description:
This beautiful golden loaf looks like a rustic artisan bread infused with garlic and herbs (likely rosemary or thyme). It has a crispy, crackly crust on the outside and a soft, airy interior. Perfect for serving with soups, pasta, or simply dipping in olive oil. The herbs baked into the crust give it a fragrant, savory flavor that makes it irresistible.
🧾 Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1¼ cups warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme (chopped)
- 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for brushing)
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Activate yeast:
In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. - Make dough:
Add flour, salt, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Mix until a soft dough forms. - Knead:
Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. - First rise:
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled. - Shape:
Shape into a loaf and place on a lined baking tray. - Second rise:
Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes. - Bake:
Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. - Finish:
Brush with melted butter and sprinkle extra herbs if desired.
❓ Q & A:
Q1: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, use about 1 teaspoon dried herbs instead of 1 tablespoon fresh.
Q2: How do I make it extra crispy?
Place a small tray of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
Q3: Can I make this without kneading?
Yes, you can use a no-knead method by letting the dough rest for 12–18 hours.
Q4: How should I store this bread?
Keep it at room temperature in a sealed bag for 2–3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Q5: What can I serve this with?