Infused with aromatic fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, thyme, and chives, "Herb Loves Her Herb Bread" is a delightfully fragrant homemade loaf thatβs sure to elevate any meal. This easy-to-follow recipe combines the comforting warmth of freshly baked bread with the earthy essence of garden-fresh flavors, creating a soft, golden loaf that's brushed with melted butter for a luxurious finish. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this bread is kneaded to perfection and rises beautifully for a light, fluffy texture. Serve it as a side for soups, salads, or pasta, or simply enjoy it on its own with a drizzle of olive oil. Ready in just under two hours, including prep and rise time, this herb loaf is a flavorful and versatile addition to your favorite recipes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant dry yeast. Stir well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Flatten the dough slightly and sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, thyme, and chives) evenly over the surface. Knead the dough gently for 1-2 more minutes to incorporate the herbs evenly throughout.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf or your preferred form and place it in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cover the loaf loosely with plastic wrap or a towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes, until it puffs up slightly.
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
Bake the bread for 30-35 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 immediately brush the top with melted unsalted butter for added flavor and a soft crust.
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Calories |
2195 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 70.0 g | 90% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.0 g | 110% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 63 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 3565 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 338.0 g | 123% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.0 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.7 g | ||
| Protein | 46.4 g | 93% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 114 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 21.5 mg | 119% | |
| Potassium | 720 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.