Flavorful Herb Bread
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.Ingredients
Directions
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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).
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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.
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Add the cooled milk mixture, egg, chopped chives, minced parsley, and crushed oregano to the yeast mixture.
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Stir in 2 cups of the all-purpose flour, mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
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Punch the dough down to release air bubbles. Shape the dough into a round loaf.
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Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9-inch pie pan or round baking dish.
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Cover the loaf and let it rise again for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.
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Preheat your oven to 400F (200C).
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Bake the bread at 400F (204C) for 10 minutes.
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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.
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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.
