Garden Herb Bread Recipe
Description
You are going to love this bread. It smells so good while it’s cooking, reminiscent of turkey stuffing. It is great used as such as well. Nothing beats creating your own bread cubes for your holiday turkey or fresh croutons for a summer salad. Try this bread with any cold meat sandwich for a pleasant surprise. Use dried herbs that are flaked and not ground. If using ground, reduce the amount by half. If using fresh herbs, double the amount.
Recipe Category
Yeast Breads
Keywords
Breads, Grains, Healthy, Weeknight, Bread Machine, Small Appliance, < 4 Hours, Easy
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 3 cups white bread flour
- 2 tablespoons dry milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon chives (dried and flaked)
- 1/2 teaspoon marjoram (dried and flaked)
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme (dried and flaked)
- 1 teaspoon basil (dried and flaked)
- 2 teaspoons fast rise yeast OR active dry yeast
Nutritional Information (per large loaf)
- Calories: 1769.5
- Fat Content: 31.3 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 17.8 g
- Cholesterol Content: 76 mg
- Sodium Content: 3727 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 321.1 g
- Fiber Content: 12.3 g
- Sugar Content: 32.2 g
- Protein Content: 46.3 g
Instructions
- Load ingredients into your bread machine in the order given.
- Bake using the regular, rapid, or delayed time bake cycle.
Detailed Exploration
The Magic of Herb-Infused Bread
Herb breads, such as this delightful Garden Herb Bread, are an excellent way to elevate your everyday bread experience. The infusion of various herbs not only adds complexity to the flavor but also provides a sensory experience that starts with the aroma wafting through your kitchen and culminates in the rich, savory taste that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes.
Ingredients Breakdown
Water: The foundational liquid ingredient, water, hydrates the flour and activates the yeast. The 1 1/4 cups specified is generally suitable for achieving a dough that is neither too dry nor too sticky, ensuring a good texture for the final loaf.
White Bread Flour: With its higher protein content, white bread flour is ideal for yeast breads as it provides the necessary structure and chewiness. The 3 cups called for in the recipe contribute to a robust and airy loaf.
Dry Milk: Adding 2 tablespoons of dry milk enriches the dough, giving it a tender crumb and a subtle, slightly sweet flavor. It also helps in browning the crust and adds nutritional value.
Sugar: The 2 tablespoons of sugar not only contribute sweetness but also feed the yeast, helping it to activate and promote a good rise in the bread.
Salt: At 1 1/2 teaspoons, salt enhances the flavors and controls yeast activity, preventing the dough from rising too quickly and losing its structure.
Butter: The 2 tablespoons of butter add richness and flavor to the bread, making the crumb tender and moist.
Herbs: The combination of chives, marjoram, thyme, and basil at 1/2 teaspoon each (with basil at 1 teaspoon) introduces a complex blend of flavors. Each herb brings its own unique note:
- Chives: Mild onion-like flavor.
- Marjoram: Sweet, floral, and slightly minty.
- Thyme: Earthy and slightly peppery.
- Basil: Sweet and slightly spicy.
Yeast: Using 2 teaspoons of either fast rise yeast or active dry yeast ensures a good rise. Fast rise yeast is more concentrated and will act quicker, while active dry yeast takes a bit longer but can contribute more nuanced flavors through a slower fermentation process.
Baking Process
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Loading the Ingredients: It’s important to follow the order specified in the recipe when adding ingredients to the bread machine. This typically means liquids first, followed by dry ingredients, and finally the yeast. This layering prevents the yeast from activating prematurely.
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Choosing the Cycle: Depending on your schedule, you can opt for the regular cycle, which takes around 3-4 hours, the rapid cycle, which finishes in about an hour less, or the delayed bake cycle, which allows you to set the machine to start baking at a later time, ensuring fresh bread right when you need it.
Serving Suggestions
This herb bread is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
- As Stuffing: Cut the bread into cubes and use it in your favorite stuffing recipe for an aromatic twist.
- Croutons: Cube and toast the bread to make flavorful croutons for salads or soups.
- Sandwiches: The herbal notes pair wonderfully with cold cuts, cheese, and fresh vegetables, making for a standout sandwich experience.
- Toast: Simply toasting this bread and topping it with a bit of butter or olive oil can be a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Tips for Success
- Herb Substitution: If you only have ground herbs, remember to use half the amount to avoid overpowering the bread. Fresh herbs can also be used, but double the quantity to ensure the flavors come through.
- Yeast Activation: If using active dry yeast, you might prefer to proof it first by dissolving it in a bit of warm water with a pinch of sugar, though this is not necessary for bread machine recipes.
- Dough Consistency: Check the dough after the first few minutes of kneading. It should form a smooth, slightly tacky ball. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time; if too wet, add flour a tablespoon at a time.
The Joy of Homemade Bread
Making your own bread is a fulfilling endeavor, providing not only delicious results but also a connection to the tradition of home baking. The aroma that fills your home as the bread bakes is unparalleled, and the satisfaction of slicing into a freshly baked loaf, still warm, is a simple pleasure that store-bought bread can’t replicate.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this Garden Herb Bread recipe is approachable and rewarding. With a few simple ingredients and the help of a bread machine, you can produce a loaf that is not only flavorful but also versatile and nutritious. Enjoy the process of creating, baking, and savoring this delightful herb-infused bread.
