Garlic and Herb BreadPhoto byGin Lee

Garlic and Herb Bread

Enhance your Italian cuisine experience with this delectable garlic and herb bread. Not only does it pair perfectly with any Italian dish, but it also creates the most mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• 3 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of instant yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt
• 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/4 cups of lukewarm water
• 1 egg white to be brushed on the dough before applying the garlic and herb seasoning on top of the loaf
• Garlic and herb seasoning (see ingredients to make your own below)

Garlic and herb seasoning for the top of the bread

• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon of freshly cracked pepper

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons of instant yeast. Ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

Next, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 1/4 cups of lukewarm water. Stir until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Shape the dough into a ball without kneading.

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, coat it with oil, cover it with a tea towel, and allow it to rise for approximately 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Gently deflate the dough with your hand and place it into a well-buttered bread pan.

Brush the loaf with the beaten egg white, and sprinkle the top of the dough with some of the garlic and herb seasoning. Cover the bread and let it rise for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.

During the last 30 minutes of the bread rising, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Just before placing the loaf in the oven, brush it again with egg white and sprinkle additional garlic and herb seasoning on top.

Bake the bread for approximately 25 minutes, or until it is golden brown. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your freshly baked garlic and herb bread!