Garlic & Herb Artisan Bread

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🌿 Garlic & Herb Artisan Bread 🍞

🥖 Introduction

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. This Garlic & Herb Artisan Bread is crusty on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and infused with aromatic herbs and roasted garlic. It’s simple, rustic, and requires minimal kneading — perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

This bread pairs beautifully with soups, salads, pasta, or simply enjoyed warm with butter or olive oil. The golden crust and herb topping make it both delicious and visually stunning.

📜 History of Artisan Bread

Artisan bread dates back thousands of years to ancient civilizations like Egypt and Rome, where bread was made by hand using natural fermentation. Before commercial yeast, bakers relied on wild yeast (sourdough starters).

Rustic European breads from France and Italy inspired today’s artisan-style loaves — crusty exterior, chewy crumb, and simple ingredients. Garlic and herbs were often added in Mediterranean regions for extra flavor and preservation.

🧾 Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose or bread flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For Garlic & Herb Topping:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (optional)
  • Flaky salt (optional)

👩‍🍳 Methods

1️⃣ No-Knead Method (Easy Version)

  • Mix all dough ingredients until combined.
  • Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled.
  • Shape gently and let rise again 30 minutes.
  • Top with garlic-herb mixture.
  • Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes.

2️⃣ Traditional Kneading Method

  • Mix ingredients.
  • Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • First rise: 1–1.5 hours.
  • Shape loaf and let rise again 45 minutes.
  • Add toppings and bake.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, and salt.
  2. Add warm water and olive oil. Stir until sticky dough forms.
  3. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled.
  4. Transfer dough onto floured surface and shape into a loaf.
  5. Place on baking sheet or in Dutch oven.
  6. Mix garlic, herbs, and olive oil. Brush over dough.
  7. Score the top with a knife.
  8. Bake in preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Cool at least 15 minutes before slicing.

🧬 Formation (How Bread Forms)

Bread forms through fermentation:

  • Yeast feeds on sugars in flour.
  • Carbon dioxide gas forms bubbles.
  • Gluten stretches and traps gas.
  • Heat causes expansion (oven spring).
  • Crust forms through caramelization and Maillard reaction.

This process creates airy texture and crispy crust.

💚 Benefits

  • Made with simple, natural ingredients
  • No preservatives
  • Rich in energy-providing carbohydrates
  • Herbs provide antioxidants
  • Garlic supports immune health
  • Olive oil contains heart-healthy fats

🥗 Nutrition (Approximate per slice)

  • Calories: 180–220
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Fiber: 1–2g
  • Sodium: 250mg

Values vary depending on ingredients used.

❤️ Who Loves This Bread?

  • Families who enjoy homemade comfort food
  • Soup and pasta lovers
  • Mediterranean cuisine fans
  • Garlic lovers
  • Holiday dinner hosts
  • Anyone who loves fresh bakery-style bread

🌟 Conclusion

Garlic & Herb Artisan Bread is more than just bread — it’s warmth, tradition, and comfort in every slice. With its crispy crust, soft interior, and aromatic flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion.

Bake it once, and your kitchen will never feel the same again. Fresh bread brings people together — and this one will definitely have everyone asking for seconds!

Would you like a Moroccan-style version of this bread too? 😊

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