Easy Herbed French Bread
Elevate your homemade baking game with this Easy Herbed French Bread, a perfect blend of rustic elegance and savory flavor. Infused with fragrant dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, and a hint of olive oil, this recipe transforms a classic French loaf into a flavorful centerpiece that pairs beautifully with soups, pastas, or even your favorite appetizers. With just 20 minutes of prep time and no special equipment required, this foolproof bread is ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. A golden, glossy crust achieved with a simple egg wash adds a bakery-style finish, while a delicate blend of herbs ensures an aromatic, mouthwatering experience. Serve it warm from the oven, and watch your guests come back for seconds! Keywords: herbed French bread recipe, easy homemade bread, Italian herb bread, rustic bread loaf, beginner-friendly baking.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.25 cups warm water
- 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.25 teaspoons salt
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (thyme, oregano, basil blend)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
Add the olive oil, 2 cups of the all-purpose flour, salt, dried Italian herbs, and garlic powder to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
Gradually add the remaining flour, a half-cup at a time, until the dough comes together and is no longer sticky. You may not need all the flour.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a long loaf approximately 14 inches in length. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the top of the loaf to give it a golden, glossy finish.
Using a sharp knife, make 3-4 diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf to allow for expansion during baking.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1876 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.6 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.7 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 196 mg | 65% | |
| Sodium | 3062 mg | 133% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 335.8 g | 122% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.0 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.5 g | ||
| Protein | 52.7 g | 105% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 120 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 21.9 mg | 122% | |
| Potassium | 703 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.
