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Garlic-Herb Crusty Bread

A foolproof recipe for crusty garlic-herb bread that impresses without requiring advanced baking skills.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bread Dough
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic-Herb Topping
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic, not jarred.
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary Crush gently to release oils.
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme Crush gently to release oils.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Whisk the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast together in a large bowl.
  2. Make a small well in the center of the dry ingredients.
  3. Pour warm water and olive oil into the well, and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured counter for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky.
  5. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
Shaping and Baking
  1. Once risen, punch down the dough to release air, then shape it into a loaf.
  2. Mix minced garlic with rosemary and thyme, then press this mixture onto the loaf.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F and bake the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 25 to 30 minutes until golden.
  4. Cool the loaf on a wire rack for about 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Check water temperature to ensure proper yeast activation. For a rustic look, score the top of the loaf before baking.