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To make Savory Herb Crusty Bread, you need these simple ingredients: - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon instant yeast - 2 teaspoons salt - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 ¾ cups warm water (about 110°F) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons mixed dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Cornmeal (for dusting) Each ingredient plays a key role. The all-purpose flour gives the bread structure. Instant yeast makes it rise quickly. Salt adds flavor, while sugar helps with browning. Warm water activates the yeast, and olive oil adds moisture and richness. The mixed dried herbs bring a burst of flavor. Garlic and onion powders deepen the taste. Cornmeal adds a nice texture to the crust. Gather these ingredients before you start. This makes the process easy and fun. For the full recipe, check out the Savory Herb Crusty Bread section. Happy baking! To make the dough, start by mixing the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of instant yeast, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of mixed dried herbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Stir until everything is mixed well. Next, add the wet ingredients. Pour in 1 ¾ cups of warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until the dough comes together. You want a rough dough that is not too sticky. Now it's time to knead the dough. Transfer it to a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes. The goal is to make it smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but keep it light to ensure a crusty texture. After kneading, shape your dough into a ball. Place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it using a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Set it in a warm place to rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours. You want it to double in size during this time. Once the dough has risen, it's time to punch it down. This helps to release air bubbles. Next, shape the dough into a loaf. You can make it round or oval based on your preference. Prepare for baking by placing the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dust the paper with cornmeal to prevent sticking. Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30 to 40 minutes. It should look puffy when ready. While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). To get a nice crust, place a shallow pan with hot water on the bottom rack of the oven. Before baking, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. This allows it to expand while baking. Optionally, sprinkle some dried herbs on top for extra flavor. Bake the bread for about 25 to 30 minutes. You know it's done when it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Once baked, let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. For more details, check the Full Recipe. Enjoy your Savory Herb Crusty Bread warm with butter or as a side dish! To get that crusty top, steam is key. Steam helps the bread rise and forms a nice crust. You can create steam by placing a shallow pan with hot water in the oven. This simple step makes a big difference. Scoring the dough is also crucial. Use a sharp knife to make slashes on top of your loaf. This allows the bread to expand while baking. Without scoring, your loaf might crack in unexpected places. Kneading the dough well is important for a fluffy inside. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks too much, add a small amount of flour. Moisture affects the dough's texture. Too much water makes it soggy, while too little makes it dry. Aim for a dough that feels soft but not sticky. You want it to hold its shape well. For a burst of flavor, use fresh herbs. Fresh herbs give a brighter taste than dried ones. You can mix in herbs like basil, parsley, or chives to elevate your bread. Adding ingredients like cheese or olives can also enhance flavor. Cheese adds richness, while olives give a nice briny touch. Feel free to experiment with your favorite additions. Try to balance flavors so they complement the bread. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your Savory Herb Crusty Bread by using different herbs. An Italian herb blend gives a classic taste. This mix usually includes basil, oregano, and parsley. These herbs bring a warm, rich flavor to your bread. For a Mediterranean-style twist, try using herbs like dill, fennel, and thyme. These herbs add a fresh, vibrant taste. They pair well with olive oil, making the bread perfect for dips or spreads. If you seek a healthier option, consider using whole wheat flour. Whole wheat adds more fiber and nutrients. It also gives the bread a nutty flavor that is delightful. However, you might need to add a bit more water to the dough. For gluten-free adaptations, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the mix contains xanthan gum to help the bread rise. This will help you enjoy crusty bread without gluten. To create even more taste, add seeds like sesame or poppy. These seeds give a nice crunch and enhance the bread's look. You can sprinkle them on top before baking for a lovely finish. Roasted garlic or sundried tomatoes also make great add-ins. Roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow flavor. Sundried tomatoes bring a tangy taste that brightens every bite. Mix these extras into the dough for a flavor-packed loaf. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy your baking adventure! To keep your Savory Herb Crusty Bread fresh, store it at room temperature. Use a bread box or a paper bag. This helps the bread breathe. Avoid plastic bags as they trap moisture and make the crust soft. If you want to keep the bread longer, wrap it in plastic wrap. Then place it in the fridge. This slows down mold growth. However, cold storage can affect the crust's crunchiness. Freezing is a great way to save bread. To freeze your Savory Herb Crusty Bread, let it cool completely. Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use aluminum foil for extra protection. This keeps the bread from getting freezer burn. When it's time to eat, take the bread out and let it thaw. Leave it at room temperature for a few hours. For a warm treat, you can pop it in the oven for a few minutes. This refreshes the crust and brings back that fresh-baked taste. Making this bread takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep time: 20 minutes - First rise: 1 to 1.5 hours - Second rise: 30 to 40 minutes - Baking: 25 to 30 minutes This timing allows the dough to rise well and develop flavor. Yes, you can use active dry yeast. The main difference is that active dry yeast needs to be dissolved in water first. To substitute, follow these steps: - Use the same amount of active dry yeast as instant yeast. - Mix the yeast with warm water (110°F) and a pinch of sugar. - Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it foams before adding to the dough. This process wakes up the yeast, ensuring it works effectively. This bread pairs well with many dishes. Here are some great options: - Soups: Perfect with a warm bowl of tomato or minestrone. - Salads: Great alongside a fresh green salad. - Cheese: Try it with a cheese platter for a fun snack. - Dips: Serve with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or hummus. Enjoy your Savory Herb Crusty Bread with these tasty options for a complete meal! You can find the full recipe above. In this post, I shared how to make Savory Herb Crusty Bread. You learned about the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Tips helped you get a perfect crust and a soft inside. We explored variations and storage methods too. Baking bread at home can be fun and satisfying. Experiment with herbs or add-ins to make it your own. Enjoy this tasty bread fresh or stored for later!

Savory Herb Crusty Bread

Bake the perfect loaf with this Savory Herb Crusty Bread recipe that combines simple ingredients for a delightful crust and soft, fluffy interior. Infused with the rich flavors of herbs like rosemary and thyme, it's ideal for dinner or snacking. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions to create a mouthwatering bread that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking skills today!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon instant yeast

2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1 ¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons mixed dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Cornmeal (for dusting)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, sugar, dried herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until evenly distributed.

    Add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms.

      Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can incorporate a little more flour, but try to keep it minimal for a crusty exterior.

        Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

          Once risen, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Shape it into a round or oval loaf as desired. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper dusted with cornmeal.

            Cover the loaf with a cloth and let it rise again for about 30-40 minutes, until puffy.

              Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). To create steam (for a crusty exterior), place a shallow pan with hot water on the bottom rack of the oven.

                Just before baking, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife (this allows for controlled expansion during baking) and optionally sprinkle some additional dried herbs on top.

                  Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

                    Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

                      Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 2 hrs, 20 mins | Servings: 12

                        - Enjoy your Savory Herb Crusty Bread warm with butter or as a side to soups and salads! For an added touch, you can brush the crust with melted garlic butter right after baking for extra flavor.