Rustic and aromatic, Country Sage Loaves are the perfect blend of hearty texture and herbal warmth, ideal for enhancing any meal. This homemade bread recipe combines the subtle sweetness of honey with the earthy flavor of dried sage, creating a delightful balance that pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or a simple pat of butter. The dough, made with olive oil, milk, and all-purpose flour, is kneaded to smooth perfection, allowing it to rise into fluffy loaves with a golden, glossy crust thanks to an easy egg wash. With just 20 minutes of prep time and the comforting aroma of fresh-baked bread filling your kitchen, these loaves are a satisfying and wholesome addition to any table. Perfect for family dinners or as a gift-worthy artisan loaf, this recipe will become a cherished staple in your bread-making repertoire.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and honey. Stir until the honey dissolves.
Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Add the olive oil and milk to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and dried sage.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions.
Shape each portion into a loaf (either freeform or shaped into 8-inch greased loaf pans) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or into the pans.
Cover the loaves loosely with a towel and let them rise again in a warm place for 30–40 minutes, or until nearly doubled.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the egg wash by whisking together the egg and water. Brush the tops of the loaves with the egg wash for a glossy finish.
Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the loaves from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Calories |
2193 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.0 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.3 g | 52% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 197 mg | 66% | |
| Sodium | 3664 mg | 159% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 365.6 g | 133% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.7 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.9 g | ||
| Protein | 56.9 g | 114% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.4 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 259 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 21.5 mg | 119% | |
| Potassium | 889 mg | 19% | |
*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.