Who doesn’t love the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread? Today, I am going to share with you an absolutely delicious recipe for Italian Herb Bread. This recipe is perfect for making in a bread machine, ensuring that you achieve that perfect texture and taste with minimal effort. So, let’s get started!
Italian Herb Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of bread flour
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 3/4 cup of warm water
To make this delicious Italian Herb Bread, you need to start by adding the warm water, olive oil, sugar, and yeast to the bread machine pan. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast starts to activate and becomes foamy. This step ensures that our bread will rise perfectly.
Next, add the bread flour, salt, and dried Italian herbs to the pan. It’s important to add the salt and herbs on top of the flour and not directly onto the yeast, as salt can slow down the yeast’s activity. This way, we ensure that our bread rises properly.
Once all the ingredients are in the pan, place it in the bread machine and select the “Basic” or “White Bread” setting. Set the crust color to your preference. Now all you have to do is press the start button and let the bread machine work its magic!
Instructions:
- Place warm water, olive oil, sugar, and yeast in the bread machine pan.
- Add bread flour, salt, and dried Italian herbs on top of the yeast.
- Select the “Basic” or “White Bread” setting and your desired crust color.
- Press the start button and let the bread machine bake the bread.
- Once the bread is done, remove it from the machine and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Enjoy this flavorful Italian Herb Bread on its own, or pair it with your favorite soups, salads, or pasta dishes. The aroma of the herbs combined with the soft and chewy texture of the bread is simply irresistible!
Preparation Time:
Preparing the ingredients and setting up the bread machine takes around 10 minutes. The bread machine will then take care of the rest, which typically takes around 3 hours, including the baking time. So, in total, you can expect to have your delicious Italian Herb Bread ready in approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes.
This recipe makes one loaf of Italian Herb Bread. If you want to make more loaves, simply adjust the quantities accordingly and repeat the process.
Tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can add some grated Parmesan cheese to the dough.
- If you don’t have dried Italian herbs, you can substitute them with dried oregano, basil, or a combination of your favorite herbs.
- Make sure to use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for the best results. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps create a chewy and airy texture in the bread.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This will ensure that the slices hold their shape and don’t become squished.
So, there you have it - a simple and delicious recipe for Italian Herb Bread that you can easily make in your bread machine. Enjoy the tantalizing aroma and the amazing taste of this homemade bread. Your family and friends will be impressed with your baking skills!
Bon appétit!
