Flavorful Herb Bread

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: Global Courses: Baked Goods

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 1 Calories: 204.1

Description

This Flavorful Herb Bread is a comforting, savory loaf that brings a burst of aromatic freshness to your table. Infused with warm milk and rich bacon fat or butter, the dough develops a tender crumb and a golden, crispy crust. The combination of fresh chives, minced parsley, and crushed oregano creates a sophisticated herbal profile that pairs beautifully with soups, stews, or simply melted butter. Its the perfect centerpiece for a rustic dinner or a delightful snack. Simple to make with pantry staples, this bread offers a wonderful balance of savory depth and herbal brightness. Enjoy it fresh from the oven for the best texture and flavor.

Directions

In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk, bacon fat (or butter), sugar, and salt until warm but not hot. Cool to lukewarm temperature (about 105F to 115F).
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of warm water with the active dry yeast. Stir until the yeast is completely dissolved and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add the cooled milk mixture, egg, chopped chives, minced parsley, and crushed oregano to the yeast mixture.
Stir in 2 cups of the all-purpose flour, mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Gradually add the remaining 1 to 1 1/2 cups of flour, one half cup at a time, stirring until the dough becomes too stiff to stir with a spoon.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes, adding small amounts of flour if the dough is too sticky, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to coat the top with grease. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Punch the dough down to release air bubbles. Shape the dough into a round loaf.
Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9-inch pie pan or round baking dish.
Cover the loaf and let it rise again for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.
Preheat your oven to 400F (200C).
Bake the bread at 400F (204C) for 10 minutes.
Reduce the oven temperature to 375F (190C) and continue baking for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 204.1kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8.7g14%
Saturated Fat 4.7g24%
Cholesterol 63.6mg22%
Sodium 7527.1mg314%
Total Carbohydrate 26.9g9%
Dietary Fiber 2.0g8%
Sugars 10.0g
Protein 5.8g12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Slice before freezing for easy toasting.

Ingredient Substitutions: You can substitute the bacon fat with olive oil or melted butter for a vegetarian version. If you don't have fresh chives or parsley, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, but fresh is recommended for best flavor.

Tips: Ensure the milk and water are lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. If the dough feels too dry while kneading, add water one tablespoon at a time. If too sticky, add flour sparingly.

Flavorful Herb Bread