Rustic Garlic and Herb Bread 🥖🧄🌿

This rustic garlic and herb bread is a true delight for the senses! With its crunchy crust, soft interior, and fragrant flavors of garlic and fresh herbs, it's perfect as an appetizer, a side, or simply enjoyed on its own with a drizzle of olive oil. Your kitchen will be filled with mouth-watering aromas that will make everyone come running to the table!

Ingredients

For the bread

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the topping

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
• Fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme) for garnish

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until frothy.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme.

3. Combine wet and dry: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

🥄 If the dough seems too dry, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time.

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

5. First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

6. Shape the bread: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

7. Second rise: Cover the shaped dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

8. Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

9. Prepare the topping: Brush the top of the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.

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

11. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack. Slice and serve warm, drizzled with extra olive oil or alongside a bowl of olives.

🍞 The bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.

Variations

• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) into the dough for a cheesy twist. 🧀
• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to give your bread a little heat!
• Herb Mix: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley to customize the flavor profile. 🌼
• Gluten-free: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, keeping an eye on the liquid ratios, as it may absorb more moisture.

This Rustic Garlic and Herb Bread will surely be a staple in your home! Enjoy! 🥖✨