Herb Batter Bread
Herb Batter Bread offers a fragrant, flaky crust with savory herbes, perfect for breakfast or as a side for hearty meals, appealing to bread lovers and herb enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 1 1/2 cups of the flour, the yeast, and fines herbes in a bowl.
- Heat the water, butter or margarine, sugar, and salt together until warm (115° to 120°), stirring until the butter almost melts.
- Add the warm mixture to the yeast mixture.
- Beat at low speed of an electric mixer for 1/2 minute, scraping the bowl constantly.
- Beat for 3 minutes at high speed.
- Stir in the remaining flour.
- Cover and let rise until doubled in size.
- Stir down the dough.
- Spread evenly in a greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise until doubled in size again.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of dried fines herbes. If you want a slightly sweeter bread, increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons. Make sure to activate the yeast properly by ensuring the water is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. If you don’t have all-purpose flour, bread flour can be used for a chewier texture.
Serving Suggestions
This herb batter bread pairs beautifully with soups and salads, making it a great addition to your meal. Try serving it with a homemade herb butter or alongside dishes like roasted vegetables. It also complements cheese platters wonderfully, especially with recipes like Rachel'S Cheese Cookies for a delightful snack experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herb Batter Bread contains roughly 179 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (10% 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 instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Use the same amount, and you can skip the step of dissolving it in warm water. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients, which can save you some time.
How can I tell when the dough has risen enough?
The dough is ready when it has doubled in size and feels light and airy to the touch. You can also perform the 'poke test' by gently pressing a finger into the dough; if the indentation remains, it's ready to proceed to the next step.
What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by incorporating ingredients like minced garlic, shredded cheese, or even sun-dried tomatoes. These additions can elevate the bread and make it a delightful side for any meal.
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).