Homemade Herb Crusted Italian Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients like bread flour, yeast, and olive oil, making it both easy and affordable to prepare.

• Soft Yet Crunchy: The bread is soft and fluffy on the inside, with a golden, crunchy crust that’s enhanced by a herb topping.

• Versatile: It’s perfect for sandwiches, as a side dish, or served warm with a dipping oil. You can even enjoy it with your favorite soup!

• Quick Prep Time: With just a little bit of prep and resting time, you can have freshly baked bread ready in under two hours.

Ingredients

• 0.25 ounces active dry yeast

• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

• 1 cup warm water

• 2 cups bread flour

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¼ cup dry Italian herbs

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Activate the yeast: In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the yeast, sugar, and 1 cup of warm water. Let it stand for 5 minutes, allowing the yeast to activate.

2. Add flour and ingredients: After 5 minutes, add 2 cups of bread flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Beat on low speed for 1 minute using the dough hook attachment.

3. Add more flour: Gradually add up to 1 additional cup of flour, just until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and becomes soft and smooth. Be cautious not to add too much flour. You want the dough to be soft and smooth, not too sticky or too dry.

4. Knead the dough: Increase the mixer speed to medium and continue kneading the dough for 5 minutes.

5. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a warm towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.

6. Punch and rest: After 30 minutes, punch the dough down and let it rest for 10 minutes.

7. Shape the dough: On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough to fit into a lightly greased loaf pan. Using a sharp paring knife, cut a ¼-inch deep slit lengthwise across the top of the dough to allow steam to escape during baking.

8. Add the herb topping: In a small bowl, mix together the dry Italian herbs and garlic powder. Brush the top of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle the herb mixture on top, pressing it gently into the dough.

9. Bake: Preheat your oven to 475°F (190°C) and bake the bread for 12-14 minutes or until it turns golden brown.

10. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the bread sit for 5 minutes. Turn the bread out onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before serving or wrapping for storage.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 12-14 minutes

• Additional Time: 1 hour (for rising)

• Total Time: 1 hour 37 minutes

Variations

• Garlic Lover’s Bread: Add extra garlic powder or freshly minced garlic to the dough for an extra garlicky flavor.

• Cheese Crust: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the top of the dough before baking for a cheesy, crusty topping.

• Herb Variations: You can experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano depending on your preference.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.

• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap it in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer. It may take a bit more time and effort, but the results will be just as good!

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While bread flour is preferred for its higher gluten content, you can substitute all-purpose flour if necessary. The bread will still be soft but may have a slightly different texture.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, shape it, let it rest, and bake as instructed.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian herbs?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs, but you’ll need to use more of them since fresh herbs have a milder flavor. Try 3 tablespoons of fresh herbs for every 1 tablespoon of dried.

How do I prevent the bread from becoming too dense?

Be careful not to add too much flour to the dough, as this can make the bread dense. Also, don’t skip the resting and rising times, as these allow the dough to expand and create that light, airy texture.

How do I get the bread crust to be extra crispy?

For a crispier crust, place a small pan of water in the bottom of the oven while baking. The steam will create a crispier exterior.

Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

Yes, you can use a bread machine to knead and rise the dough. After the dough is ready, you can shape it and bake it in the oven.

What should I serve with this bread?

This bread is fantastic with pasta dishes, soups, or as a side for any Italian meal. You can also serve it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping!

How do I know when the bread is done?

The bread is done when it’s golden brown on top, and you can tap the bottom of the loaf and hear a hollow sound. This means the bread is fully baked.

Can I add a sweet topping instead of the herb crust?

Absolutely! For a sweeter variation, try brushing the dough with honey or cinnamon sugar before baking.

Conclusion

Homemade Herb Crusted Italian Bread is the perfect addition to any meal. With its soft, fluffy interior and crispy, flavorful crust, it’s a bread that stands out. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply craving something homemade, this recipe will deliver that authentic Italian bread experience right in your own kitchen. Enjoy it warm, with dipping oil, or as the base for your favorite sandwiches—there’s no wrong way to eat it!

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