Herbed & Savory: Elevating Your Bread Game with Fresh Ingredients

Baking bread at home can be a delightful adventure, especially when you elevate your loaves with fresh herbs and savory ingredients. These additions not only enhance flavor but also infuse your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Here are some delicious herbed and savory bread recipes to elevate your bread game!

1. Rosemary Olive Oil Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for brushing

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and rosemary.
2. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
6. Brush the top with olive oil and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool before slicing.

2. Garlic and Herb Focaccia

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Coarse sea salt for topping

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, thyme, and minced garlic.
2. Gradually mix in warm water and olive oil until a sticky dough forms.
3. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet.
5. Punch down the dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Press it out into a rectangle.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and use your fingers to create dimples in the dough. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. Let cool before slicing.

3. Cheesy Chive Soda Bread

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh chives, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in cheese and chives.
4. Add buttermilk and mix until just combined.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape into a round loaf. Transfer to the baking sheet.
6. Cut a deep cross on top and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and cooked through. Let cool before slicing.

4. Spinach and Feta Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead for about 8-10 minutes. Incorporate spinach and feta as you knead.
4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour until doubled.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the dough into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden. Allow to cool before slicing.

5. Herbed Whole Wheat Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon mixed dried herbs (like oregano, basil, and thyme)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, yeast, salt, and dried herbs.
2. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
5. Let rise for another 30 minutes, then bake for 30-35 minutes until golden. Cool before slicing.

Conclusion

Elevating your bread with fresh herbs and savory ingredients not only enhances the flavor but also makes your home smell amazing. These recipes are easy to follow and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy baking and indulging in these delicious, herbed creations!