Herb Loaf Italiano
Herb Loaf Italiano is a flavorful bread filled with herbs and sauce mix, perfect for sharing at family dinners or entertaining guests who appreciate savory, baked delights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw frozen dough for 1 1/2 to 2 hours at room temperature. Roll out to a 12 x 9-inch rectangle.
- Combine softened butter, spaghetti sauce mix, and parsley; spread on the dough.
- Roll up jelly roll fashion starting with the long side; seal the seam.
- Place on a greased baking sheet, seam side down.
- Brush with water; sprinkle with a little salt. Cover and let rise until almost double, about 2 hours.
- Make shallow slashes across the top at 2-inch intervals.
- Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding finely chopped garlic or herbs like basil or oregano to the butter mixture. If you don’t have spaghetti sauce mix, you can substitute with a mix of Italian seasoning and a pinch of sugar. Make sure to keep the dough covered while it rises to prevent it from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the herb loaf Italiano and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or side dish with marinara sauce for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Alfredo Pasta or can be enjoyed alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of Carotene Rich Minestrone Soup(Heart Healthy) for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
After baking, let the herb loaf cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herb Loaf Italiano contains roughly 101 calories, with 4g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (37% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this herb loaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the loaf up to the point before it rises. Once shaped, place it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just allow it to come to room temperature and rise before baking.
What can I use if I don't have spaghetti sauce mix?
If you don't have spaghetti sauce mix, a blend of dried herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme combined with a pinch of sugar can provide a similar flavor profile. Adjust the amounts to your taste preference.
Can I freeze the herb loaf?
Yes, you can freeze the baked herb loaf. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven.
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).