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- 3 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons instant yeast - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 cup warm water (110°F) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Herbs and seasonings To make savory herb crusty bread, gather these ingredients. They create a warm, flavorful loaf. Each item plays a big role in the taste and texture. - Dried oregano - Dried thyme - Fresh rosemary Using herbs makes this bread shine. Dried oregano and thyme add depth. Fresh rosemary brings a bright note. Feel free to mix and match your favorite herbs for your twist. - Mixing bowl - Baking sheet - Kitchen towel You need a few tools for this recipe. A mixing bowl helps combine your ingredients. A baking sheet holds your loaf while it bakes. A kitchen towel keeps your dough warm during rising. With these, you're ready to bake! For the full recipe, follow the steps carefully and enjoy your fresh loaf! To start, gather your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Use three cups of all-purpose flour, two teaspoons of instant yeast, one teaspoon of salt, one tablespoon of sugar, one tablespoon of dried oregano, one tablespoon of dried thyme, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Mix them well. Next, create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in one cup of warm water and two tablespoons of olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Now it's time to knead the dough. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about eight to ten minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This step is key for the perfect bread texture. Once the dough is ready, form it into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about one to two hours. The dough should double in size during this time. After the first rise is complete, punch down the dough. Add one tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary. Knead it in until it is evenly mixed throughout the dough. Next, shape the dough into a round loaf. Place it on a baking sheet that you dusted with cornmeal. Cover it with the damp cloth again and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. It should become puffy and full of air. While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the second rise is complete, take a sharp knife and slash a few shallow cuts on the top of the loaf. This will help the bread expand while baking. Now, place the loaf in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The crust should turn golden brown, and the loaf will sound hollow when you tap the bottom. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy this Savory Herb Crusty Bread fresh and warm from the oven! For the full recipe, check the recipe card. To get that amazing crust, steam plays a big role. Steam creates a crisp outer layer. You can add steam by placing a pan with water in the oven. Another great tip is to use a baking stone. A baking stone helps distribute heat evenly. This makes the crust rise nicely. The result is a crunchy, golden brown crust. Kneading the dough well is key to a fluffy inside. Knead for about 8-10 minutes. This helps develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure. Next, focus on rising. Place the dough in a warm spot. This helps it double in size. The warmer the place, the better your bread will turn out. Want to boost the taste? Add more herbs to the dough. Fresh herbs bring a vibrant flavor. You can also use flavored oils. For example, try garlic-infused olive oil. This small change can make a big difference. It elevates the taste to a new level. For more tips, check the Full Recipe for ideas. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your bread with different herbs. Try an Italian herb blend. Use basil, oregano, and thyme for a classic taste. These herbs add warmth and depth. Another option is a Mediterranean style. Mix in some olives for a salty kick. This gives your bread a unique twist. Both options are easy and fun to make. Adding cheese can elevate your bread. Parmesan is a great choice. It melts and adds a nice flavor. You can also try adding seeds and nuts. Sunflower seeds or walnuts add a lovely crunch. This texture enhances the bread's overall appeal. Experiment with what you have on hand. If you need a gluten-free option, don’t worry. You can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Just make sure it has a good blend of starches. You will need to adjust the liquid too. Gluten-free dough often requires more moisture. Start with less water, adding more as needed. This will help you create a perfect loaf. For the full recipe, check the main article. To keep your savory herb crusty bread fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents the bread from drying out. If you don’t have an airtight container, a bread box works well. A bread box lets air circulate while protecting the bread from light. Avoid using plastic wrap for long-term storage, as it traps moisture and can make the crust soggy. Freezing is a great way to keep your bread for longer. To freeze, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. It’s best to freeze bread when it’s completely cool. When you want to eat it, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. For the best results, reheat it in the oven for a few minutes. This will restore its crusty exterior and warm the inside. Savory herb crusty bread stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature. Look for signs that the bread has gone stale. If it feels hard or dry, it's time to toss it. Another sign is a change in smell; if it has a sour scent, it’s best to discard it. Enjoy your bread while it’s fresh for the best taste! For the full recipe, refer to the recipe section above. You can tell the bread is baked by tapping the bottom. If it sounds hollow, it's done. Also, look for a golden-brown crust. The bread should feel firm to the touch. Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast. The main difference is that active dry yeast needs to be dissolved in water first. You should mix it with warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, add it to the dry ingredients. You may need to let the dough rise longer. Savory Herb Crusty Bread goes well with many dishes. It pairs nicely with soups and salads. You can also serve it with a cheese board or dips. For a fun twist, try making garlic bread with it. Just spread some butter and garlic on slices and toast them! For more details on making this bread, check the Full Recipe. This blog post covered everything you need to know to make Savory Herb Crusty Bread. We listed the key ingredients, tools, and steps for mixing, kneading, and baking. Tips for a perfect crust and a fluffy inside can elevate your bread. You can even try fun variations or store it right to keep it fresh. Baking bread at home is both fun and rewarding. With practice, you’ll impress your family and friends with delicious, homemade bread. Dive in and enjoy the journey!

Savory Herb Crusty Bread

Elevate your baking with this Savory Herb Crusty Bread recipe that combines simple ingredients and delightful flavors! Enjoy a golden, crusty exterior with a fluffy interior, perfect for pairing with soups or enjoying on its own. Explore the art of bread-making with easy steps and helpful tips for a perfect loaf every time. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to discover the full recipe and start baking magic today!
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Ingredients
  

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons instant yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1 cup warm water (110°F)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried thyme

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon black pepper

Cornmeal for dusting

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, sugar, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper.

    Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in warm water and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

      Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

        Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

          Once risen, punch down the dough and add the chopped rosemary, kneading it in until evenly distributed.

            Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal. Cover with the damp cloth and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.

              Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Slash a few shallow cuts on the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to create a scoring pattern.

                Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

                  Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours | Servings: 12 slices

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve warm, drizzled with olive oil on the side, and sprinkled with sea salt. Perfect for accompanying soups or pastas!