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To make savory herb crusty bread, gather these ingredients: - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons instant yeast - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar - 1 cup warm water (about 110°F) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - 1 tablespoon dried thyme - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - Cornmeal for dusting Each ingredient adds a special touch. The all-purpose flour gives the bread its base. Instant yeast helps the dough rise, making it light and fluffy. Sea salt enhances the taste, while granulated sugar helps with browning. Warm water activates the yeast, leading to a good rise. Extra virgin olive oil adds moisture and richness. Herbs are the stars of this bread. Dried oregano and dried thyme bring depth. Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant note. Garlic powder gives a mild kick, and freshly ground black pepper adds warmth. Together, they create a unique flavor that makes each bite tasty. Don't worry if you lack an ingredient! You can swap some items. For the all-purpose flour, use bread flour for a chewier texture. If you don't have instant yeast, active dry yeast works, too. Just let it sit in warm water a bit longer. For the herbs, fresh herbs can replace dried ones. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs since their flavor is milder. If you prefer no garlic, simply leave it out. You can dust with flour instead of cornmeal for the baking sheet. For a fun twist, add cheese like grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar to the dough. Get creative! The full recipe will guide you through the steps for this delightful bread. Start by gathering your ingredients. In a big mixing bowl, mix together: - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons instant yeast - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - 1 tablespoon dried thyme - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Stir these dry ingredients well. Next, create a well in the center of the mix. Pour in: - 1 cup warm water (about 110°F) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms. Once the dough is mixed, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Begin kneading the dough with your hands. Push the dough down and fold it over itself. Keep kneading for about 8-10 minutes. If the dough sticks, add small amounts of flour. Your goal is smooth and elastic dough. Shape the kneaded dough into a ball. Place it in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours. The dough should double in size. After it rises, gently punch it down to release air. Add finely chopped fresh rosemary and knead it in. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet. Cover again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy. These steps will set you up for a lovely loaf of Savory Herb Crusty Bread. For the complete instructions, check the Full Recipe. To get that perfect crust on your bread, start with a hot oven. Preheat it to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps create steam, which gives the bread a nice rise and a golden crust. Before you bake, make shallow cuts on the surface. This helps the bread expand evenly as it bakes. For an even crunchier crust, place a pan with water on the bottom of the oven. The steam will work magic on your loaf. One common mistake is not letting the dough rise enough. If you skip or shorten the rise time, your bread may turn out dense. Always let the dough double in size. Another mistake is not measuring ingredients correctly. Use a kitchen scale for the best results. Too much flour can make the bread dry, while too little can make it heavy. Lastly, avoid opening the oven door too often while baking. This lets heat out and can ruin the crust. For a flavor boost, consider adding more herbs. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the taste. You can also mix in cheese for a savory twist. Grated Parmesan or sharp Cheddar works well. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. This will give your bread a nice kick. Try incorporating seeds like sesame or poppy to the top before baking. They add crunch and flavor. For the full recipe, check the links above. Enjoy your baking! {{image_4}} You can play with herbs to change the flavor. Basil brings a sweet touch. Dill offers a fresh taste. Chives add a mild onion flavor. You can even mix herbs for a unique blend. Just remember, fresh herbs give a stronger taste than dried ones. Want to kick up the flavor? Add in some cheese! Parmesan or cheddar work great. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. Black olives add a briny note. Nuts, like walnuts, bring a crunchy texture. These add-ins make your bread even more special. If you need a gluten-free bread, don't worry! You can use gluten-free flour blends. Look for blends made for bread, as they have the right mix of ingredients. Add a bit of xanthan gum to help with texture. Follow the same steps in the Full Recipe, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free loaf. To keep your savory herb crusty bread fresh, store it in a paper bag. This helps the crust stay crisp. Avoid plastic bags, as they can make the bread soggy. If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, place it in a cool, dry spot. For longer storage, consider refrigeration, but this may change the texture. To enjoy warm bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking sheet and cover it with foil to prevent burning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy and the inside soft. You can also microwave a slice for 10-20 seconds, but it may turn soft instead of crusty. If you have extra bread, freezing is a great option. Slice the bread first, then wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag or airtight container. This helps keep them fresh for up to three months. To thaw, simply leave the slices at room temperature for a while or reheat them in the oven. Enjoy your homemade bread whenever you wish! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. To make Savory Herb Crusty Bread, start with three cups of all-purpose flour. Add two teaspoons of instant yeast, one teaspoon of sea salt, one tablespoon of sugar, and your dried herbs like oregano and thyme. Mix these dry ingredients well. Next, create a well in the center and pour in one cup of warm water and two tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until you form a shaggy dough. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Let it rise until doubled, then shape it and let it puff up again. Finally, bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes. Check the crust color and sound to ensure it's ready. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. Yes, you can use fresh herbs! They add a bright flavor. When using fresh herbs, use about three times more than dried herbs. For example, if a recipe calls for one tablespoon of dried oregano, use three tablespoons of fresh oregano. Chop them finely for even distribution in the dough. If your dough is sticky, it might need more flour. This can happen if you add too much water or not enough flour. Knead in small amounts of flour until it feels smooth and elastic. Remember to avoid adding too much at once. Keep kneading until it comes together nicely. To check if your bread is done, look for a golden brown crust. Tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. The internal temperature should be around 190°F to 200°F. If you have a kitchen thermometer, this is a great way to check! Let it cool before slicing for the best texture. This blog post covered how to make savory herb crusty bread from scratch. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips for great results. You now know how to make variations and store your bread properly. Baking bread is fun and rewarding. Don't worry about mistakes; learn from them and keep trying. With practice, your bread will taste amazing. Enjoy sharing your creations with friends and family!

Savory Herb Crusty Bread

Looking to bake a delicious loaf of Savory Herb Crusty Bread? This simple and flavorful recipe guides you step-by-step from mixing fresh herbs to achieving the perfect crispy crust. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, learn how to create bread that's delightful to share. Ready to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas? Click through for the full recipe and start your baking adventure today!
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Ingredients
  

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons instant yeast

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 cup warm water (about 110°F)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried thyme

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cornmeal for dusting

Instructions
 

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sea salt, granulated sugar, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the dry ingredients together until evenly distributed.

    Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the warm water and olive oil. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough begins to form.

      Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for approximately 8-10 minutes, adding small amounts of flour as necessary, until the bread dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.

        Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning it to coat. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm area for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

          Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air. Add the finely chopped fresh rosemary, kneading it into the dough until it is beautifully and evenly mixed.

            Shape the dough into a round loaf and transfer it to a baking sheet generously dusted with cornmeal. Cover the loaf with the damp cloth again, allowing it to rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until it becomes puffy.

              Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Just before baking, use a sharp knife to make a few shallow slashes on the top of the loaf, creating an appealing scoring pattern.

                Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the loaf emits a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.

                  Carefully remove the loaf from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the warm bread drizzled with extra virgin olive oil on the side and sprinkled with flaky sea salt. This crusty herb-infused bread is perfect for pairing with hearty soups or pasta dishes!