Bring a touch of rustic charm to your table with Al Fresco Bread, a fragrant and flavorful homemade loaf perfect for outdoor dining or elevating any meal. This artisan-style bread combines the earthy aroma of fresh rosemary and thyme with a hint of garlic, creating a delightful medley of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Crafted with simple pantry staples, it features a golden, crusty exterior and a soft, pillowy interior that's ideal for dipping into olive oil or serving alongside soups, salads, or hearty main courses. With just 25 minutes of prep time and a heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes, this recipe is a must-try for bread enthusiasts and dinner hosts alike. Perfectly herbaceous, delightfully rustic, and universally satisfying, Al Fresco Bread is more than just a sideβit's a savory centerpiece to any meal.
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is activated.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until it starts to come together, then transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour, a little at a time.
Flatten the dough slightly and sprinkle the rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder evenly over the surface. Knead the dough gently for another 1-2 minutes to evenly distribute the herbs.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 220Β°C (425Β°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly dust it with flour.
Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and shape it into a round loaf or oval, depending on your preference. Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow slashes across the top of the dough for ventilation and aesthetic appeal.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Al Fresco Bread warm with olive oil or as a side to your favorite dishes.
Calories |
2122 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.2 g | 43% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3555 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 391.0 g | 142% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.4 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.3 g | ||
| Protein | 54.9 g | 110% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 77 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 23.9 mg | 133% | |
| Potassium | 706 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.