Homemade Herb & Garlic Bread Dough

Homemade Herb & Garlic Bread Dough

Introduction:
There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven—especially when it’s packed with fragrant herbs and garlic. This Homemade Herb & Garlic Bread Dough is the perfect base for a delicious, flavorful loaf that pairs beautifully with soups, salads, pasta dishes, or simply on its own with a smear of butter. With a soft, airy crumb and a golden crust infused with fresh herbs and garlic, this bread is sure to become a household favorite. The recipe is simple to follow and well worth the little bit of effort for truly homemade goodness.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)

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• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

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• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

• Extra olive oil for greasing and brushing

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast:
   In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to work.

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2. Mix the dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form.

3. Knead the dough:
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.

4. First rise:
   Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

5. Shape and second rise:
   Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place into a greased loaf pan (like the one shown in the image). Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes, until the dough has risen about 1 inch above the pan.

6. Bake the bread:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the dough with a bit of olive oil. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

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7. Cool and slice:
   Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Conclusion:
This Herb & Garlic Bread Dough delivers a warm, rustic loaf that’s bursting with flavor from every bite. Whether served alongside a hearty stew, toasted for breakfast, or simply enjoyed as a snack, this bread is guaranteed to elevate any meal. Fresh, homemade, and filled with aromatic herbs, this is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary day into something special. Bake it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen!

Let me know if you’d like me to turn this into four Facebook-style versions for social media sharing!