Country Herb Bread
A fragrant country herb bread with fresh herbs and warm, comforting flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings that appreciate homemade bakery quality.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let stand until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, heat the chopped fresh herbs with the milk until lukewarm.
- Add the herb-milk mixture to the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, and vegetable oil, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf or desired shape.
- Place the shaped dough on a greased baking sheet or in a loaf pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough. If fresh herbs aren't available, dried herbs can be used—just reduce the quantity to about 1/3. Make sure your water isn't too hot, as it can kill the yeast, leading to poor rise. Remember to adjust flour based on humidity and dough texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Country Herb Bread pairs beautifully with soups and salads, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Serve it warm with butter or olive oil for dipping. For a delightful brunch, consider serving it alongside Pat'S Pasta and a fresh fruit salad. It also makes a great base for sandwiches or as a side for your favorite vegetarian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Herb Bread contains roughly 867 calories, with 23g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (65% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2703mg per serving (118% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast in place of instant yeast. Just be sure to activate it by dissolving it in warm water with sugar before adding it to the other ingredients. The rising time may be slightly longer, so keep an eye on the dough as it rises.
What herbs work best in this recipe?
Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, dill, and thyme are ideal for this recipe. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley for different flavor profiles. Just ensure they are finely chopped to distribute their flavor evenly throughout the dough.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it turns a golden brown color and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Additionally, you can use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be around 190°F (88°C) for fully baked bread.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).