Creating the Perfect Garlic Herb Bread Recipe

Introduction

Garlic herb bread is a flavorful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or enjoying on its own. This easy bread machine recipe fills your kitchen with the inviting aroma of garlic and Italian herbs while creating a soft, aromatic loaf.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups bread flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (such as basil, oregano, and thyme)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pour the warm water and olive oil into the bread machine pan.
2. Step 2: Add the bread flour, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs on top of the liquid.
3. Step 3: Make a small well in the flour and add the active dry yeast.
4. Step 4: Close the lid and select the Basic or White Bread setting on your bread machine. Choose your preferred crust color: light, medium, or dark.
5. Step 5: Press start and allow the machine to mix, knead, rise, and bake the bread automatically.
6. Step 6: When the baking cycle is finished, carefully remove the bread from the pan and cool it on a wire rack before slicing.
7. Step 7: Serve the bread warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer garlic flavor, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of freshly minced garlic along with the garlic powder.
• Swap dried Italian herbs for fresh herbs if available, but reduce the quantity by half since fresh herbs are more potent.
• Try sprinkling grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella on top of the dough before baking for a cheesy crust.

Storage

Store leftover garlic herb bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh, warm slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped well in foil and plastic for up to 3 months, then thaw at room temperature before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this garlic herb bread without a bread machine?

Yes, you can prepare this recipe by hand or with a stand mixer. Follow typical bread-making steps: combine ingredients, knead the dough until smooth, let it rise until doubled, shape it, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.

What is the best way to ensure my bread rises properly?

Use warm water that is not too hot or cold (between 110°F and 115°F) to activate the yeast. Also, make sure your yeast is fresh and check that the ingredients are added in the correct order as specified for bread machines. Keeping your kitchen environment warm helps with proper rising as well.

Creating the Perfect Garlic Herb Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 139 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x

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Description

This recipe guides you through making the perfect homemade Garlic Herb Bread using a bread machine. Infused with garlic powder and a blend of Italian herbs, this bread is flavorful and has a delightful crust. The bread machine handles the mixing, kneading, rising, and baking, delivering fresh, aromatic bread with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Liquids

• 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups bread flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)

Leavening

• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

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Instructions

1. Add Ingredients: Pour the warm water and olive oil into the bread machine pan. Add the bread flour, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs evenly over the liquid ingredients to create distinct layers.
2. Add Yeast: Make a small well in the center of the flour without reaching the wet ingredients, and add the active dry yeast into this well to keep it separate from the salt until mixing begins.
3. Select Settings: Close the bread machine lid. Choose the Basic or White Bread setting on your machine and select your preferred crust color: light, medium, or dark.
4. Start the Machine: Press the start button. The bread machine will automatically mix, knead, allow the dough to rise, then bake the bread all in one cycle.
5. Cool and Serve: When the baking cycle completes, carefully remove the bread pan. Turn out the bread onto a wire rack and let it cool completely or until slightly warm. Slice and serve as desired.

Notes

• Ensure the water temperature is between 110°F to 115°F to properly activate the yeast.
• If you do not have a bread machine, this recipe can be adapted for manual mixing and baking in a conventional oven.
• Use fresh yeast for best results and check expiration dates.
• You can customize the herbs with your favorites like rosemary or parsley for different flavor profiles.
• Store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (including machine cycle for mixing, rising, and baking)
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Keywords: Garlic bread, Herb bread, Bread machine recipe, Italian herbs bread, Homemade bread