Garlic Herb Braided Bread: A Must-Try Artisan Delight!

Why Make This Recipe

Garlic Herb Braided Bread is not just a dish; it’s an experience. This artisan bread is a satisfying addition to any meal, and it has a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen. The combination of garlic and herbs makes this bread incredibly flavorful, and its braided shape adds a beautiful presentation to your table. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a weekend get-together, or just enjoying it with a nice bowl of soup, this bread is sure to impress.

Making bread at home can be a rewarding process. The satisfaction of kneading dough, watching it rise, and finally baking it into a golden loaf is truly unmatched. Plus, the smell of fresh bread wafting through your home is a joy that store-bought bread just can’t replicate. With Garlic Herb Braided Bread, you get to enjoy all of this and more. It’s also a great way to use up some leftover herbs and make something delicious out of simple ingredients.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into how you can create this amazing garlic herb bread right in your kitchen!

How to Make Garlic Herb Braided Bread

Making Garlic Herb Braided Bread is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you can create a beautiful braided loaf that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups All-Purpose or Bread Flour (Substitute with gluten-free blend if desired.)
• 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (Instant yeast could be used.)
• 1 cup Warm Water (110°F for proper yeast activation.)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Can substitute with garlic butter.)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for flavor.)
• 1 tablespoon Sugar (Optional for those reducing sugar.)
• 3 cloves Garlic (Minced or roasted.)
• 2 teaspoons Dried Mixed Herbs (Oregano, thyme, basil or use fresh herbs.)
• 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional; mozzarella can be added.)
• 2 tablespoons Melted Butter (For brushing before baking.)

Directions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   Start by combining the warm water and sugar in a bowl. Add the active dry yeast and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures that your yeast is alive and ready to help the bread rise.

2. Mix the Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Add the minced garlic and dried herbs as well. If you are using Parmesan cheese, you can add it now too.

3. Knead the Dough:
   Mix everything together until a dough starts to form. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed.

4. Let It Rise:
   Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for making your bread light and airy.

5. Shape the Dough:
   Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into three equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 12-14 inches long. Then, gently braid the three ropes together to form a single loaf. Pinch the ends to seal them.

6. Second Rise:
   Place the braided loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it again with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

7. Brush and Bake:
   Once the dough has risen again, brush the top with melted butter. This will give it a nice golden color while baking. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.

8. Cool and Enjoy:
   Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Slice it up and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Braided Bread

Garlic Herb Braided Bread is versatile and can be served in many ways. You can enjoy it plain, or pair it with dips, soups, or salads. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

• As a Side Dish: This bread complements a variety of dishes. Serve it with pasta dishes, grilled meats, or hearty soups.
• With Dips: Slice the bread and serve it with dips such as hummus, olive oil with balsamic vinegar, or a creamy cheese spread.
• With Sauces: It’s perfect for soaking up sauces from pasta or stews.
• For Breakfast: Toast slices of garlic herb bread and spread some butter or your favorite jam on top for a delicious breakfast treat.

How to Store Garlic Herb Braided Bread

Storing your garlic herb bread properly will help keep it fresh for longer. Here’s how to store it:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the bread within a couple of days, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature.
• Refrigeration: If you want to keep the bread for a longer time, consider refrigerating it. Wrap it tightly and store it in an airtight container. When ready to eat, toast it lightly to revive its freshness.
• Freezing: You can also freeze Garlic Herb Braided Bread for extended storage. Slice the bread, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer bag. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature or reheat it directly from frozen.

Tips to Make Garlic Herb Braided Bread

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your garlic herb bread turns out perfectly every time:

• Knead Properly: Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which will give the bread its structure.
• Don’t Skip the Rise: Allowing the dough to rise adequately is important for creating airy and fluffy bread.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will add the best flavor to your bread. If possible, use fresh herbs instead of dried.
• Experiment with Cheese: You can substitute Parmesan with other cheese like mozzarella, or even mix in some cheddar for a unique flavor.
• Test the Oven: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the bread while it bakes. If it browns too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Variation

If you want to switch things up, here are a few variations you can try with this recipe:

• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add more grated cheese into the dough and sprinkle some on top before baking for an even cheesier flavor.
• Herbed Cheese Twists: Instead of braiding, roll out the dough, spread a mixture of herbs and cheese on top, then twist and shape them into spirals.
• Stuffed Garlic Bread: Fill the dough with your favorite ingredients, such as spinach and feta or sun-dried tomatoes, before shaping and baking.
• Sweet Variation: For a sweet twist, try adding cinnamon and sugar instead of garlic and herbs. You could even use a sweet buttery glaze.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute a part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Just be mindful that the texture and flavor will change slightly, and you may need to adjust the water content.

2. What can I substitute for active dry yeast?
You can use instant yeast or other types of yeasts, but make sure to adjust the quantity according to the specific type of yeast you are using.

3. How do I know when my bread is done baking?
The bread should be golden brown on top, and if you tap it lightly on the bottom, it should sound hollow. Additionally, you can check the internal temperature, which should be around 190°F (88°C).

4. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor of your bread even more. Just make sure to use a higher quantity since dried herbs tend to have a stronger flavor.

5. What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or not keeping it in a warm area. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water is warm, not hot. If the environment is too cool, try placing the dough in a warmer area or a slightly turned-off oven with the light on.

By following these simple steps, you will create a delicious Garlic Herb Braided Bread that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Happy baking! Enjoy the wonderful aroma and taste of this homemade artisan delight.

Garlic Herb Braided Bread

Print Recipe

A delightful artisan bread enriched with garlic and herbs, perfect for any meal.

• Author: hbibamine1980
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2.5 cups All-Purpose or Bread Flour
• 2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
• 1 cup Warm Water (110°F)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 tablespoon Sugar (optional)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced or roasted)
• 2 teaspoons Dried Mixed Herbs (oregano, thyme, basil)
• 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Melted Butter (for brushing)

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Instructions

1. Combine warm water and sugar in a bowl, add yeast, and let it sit until frothy (5-10 minutes).
2. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Create a well, add yeast mixture, olive oil, garlic, and herbs; mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
5. Punch down dough, divide into three portions, and roll each into a long rope. Braid the ropes together.
6. Place braided loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Brush the top with melted butter, bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
8. Cool on a wire rack, slice, and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh garlic and herbs. Experiment with different cheeses for variety.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 5mg