Italian Herb Bread
A flavorful Italian herb bread with Parmesan and French Fried Onions, perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a savory side with pasta or salads.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle yeast from roll mix over warm water, stir to dissolve.
- Blend in eggs, remaining ingredients, and roll mix. Beat 50 strokes.
- Pour into greased 2-quart loaf casserole.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes or until deep golden brown.
- Remove from pan immediately and cool on a rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful bread, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme alongside the dried oregano. If you don't have Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses can work well as substitutes. Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast from the hot roll mix. If you're short on time, you can skip the rising step by using a bread machine.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Herb Bread pairs beautifully with Tom'S Plain Tomato Sauce for dipping or as a side for pasta dishes like Linguine With Veggies. Serve it warm with a spread of butter or olive oil for an extra touch. It also makes a great base for sandwiches or can be enjoyed alongside soups and salads for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Italian Herb Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place slices in a toaster or oven until warmed through. You can also microwave for a quick option, but be careful not to dry it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Herb Bread contains roughly 518 calories, with 17g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (115% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), and calcium (75% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 708mg per serving (31% 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 whole wheat flour instead of the hot roll mix?
While it's possible to make this bread with whole wheat flour, it may require adjustments in the liquid and rising time. The hot roll mix contains specific ingredients for yeast activation and flavor. If you want to use whole wheat flour, consider adding sugar and yeast separately, and allow for a longer rise.
What can I do if my bread doesn't rise properly?
If your bread doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or a too-cool environment. Ensure your water is warm (not hot) and that you're using fresh yeast. If your kitchen is cold, try placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven or another warm spot to encourage rising.
Can I add other ingredients like olives or sun-dried tomatoes?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the bread by adding ingredients like olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist. Just make sure to adjust the wet ingredients slightly to maintain the right dough consistency. Adding these ingredients will also enhance the flavor of the 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).