GARLIC HERB BREAD FULL RECIPE
Introduction
This beautifully golden, aromatic garlic-herb bread is the perfect homemade loaf when you want bakery-style bread without the effort. It’s soft, fluffy, and infused with fresh garlic, rosemary, and butter — giving it a rich taste and irresistible aroma.You don’t need fancy ingredients or advanced baking skills; this recipe is simple, reliable, and incredibly rewarding.Perfect for soups, pasta, breakfast, or served warm with butter!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Shaping + Second Rise: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total: ~2 hours
Ingredients
For the Dough
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup warm water (not hot)
2 tbsp sugar
2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Garlic-Herb Butter Topping
3 tbsp melted butter
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme or parsley (optional)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.
Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
Add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Stir and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
(You can use a mixer or knead by hand.)
First Rise
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
Cover with a towel.
Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the Loaf
Punch down the risen dough.
Shape into an oval loaf (like in the photo).
Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Garlic-Herb Topping
Mix melted butter + garlic + rosemary + thyme + pinch of salt.
Brush generously over the top of the shaped dough.
Score shallow cuts on top for a rustic look.
Second Rise
Let the shaped loaf rest for 20 minutes.
Bake
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and fragrant.
Brush again with garlic butter when it comes out of the oven (optional but delicious!).
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with butter
Pair with pasta or soup
Use for sandwiches or garlic toast
Enjoy with olive oil + balsamic dip
Tips
You can replace rosemary with oregano or mixed Italian herbs.
Add grated cheese on top (parmesan or mozzarella) for a cheesy version.
Let the bread cool 10 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
For a softer crust, wrap bread in a towel after baking.
For a crisp crust, place a small tray of water in the oven while baking.
Variations
Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add ½ cup shredded mozzarella before baking.
Herb Butter Loaf: Mix herbs directly into the dough.
Spicy Version: Add chili flakes to the butter.