Homemade Pan Bread With Fresh Herbs

This Homemade Pan Bread is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create a rustic Italian-style loaf. Unlike traditional sandwich breads that rely on butter, this recipe uses generous amounts of olive oil for a tender crumb and rich flavor profile. The dough is infused with minced garlic and a blend of dried Italian seasonings before baking, while fresh basil and oregano are added just before the final rise to provide a bright, aromatic finish. The result is a golden-brown loaf with a slightly crisp crust and a soft, flavorful interior, best served warm as a companion to soups or stews.

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Baked Goods

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 2

Calories: 85

Dietary: Vegan

Description

This Homemade Pan Bread is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create a rustic Italian-style loaf. Unlike traditional sandwich breads that rely on butter, this recipe uses generous amounts of olive oil for a tender crumb and rich flavor profile. The dough is infused with minced garlic and a blend of dried Italian seasonings before baking, while fresh basil and oregano are added just before the final rise to provide a bright, aromatic finish. The result is a golden-brown loaf with a slightly crisp crust and a soft, flavorful interior, best served warm as a companion to soups or stews.

Directions

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar and yeast, then add approximately 2 cups of the all-purpose flour. Mix until a thick, smooth paste forms.
2
Cover the bowl loosely and let the mixture stand for about 10 minutes, or until bubbles rise to the surface and the mixture becomes frothy.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the salt with the remaining flour (approx. 4 to 5 cups). Gradually add this flour mixture to the yeast mixture, mixing after each addition, until the dough becomes too stiff to stir with a spoon.
4
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 10 minutes, adding more flour only if necessary, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky to the touch.
5
Place the dough in a large bowl lightly coated with a small amount of olive oil. Turn the dough to coat it evenly. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6
Punch the dough down to release air bubbles. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead gently for one minute to redistribute the yeast. Let the dough rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
7
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Brush a 9x13 inch baking sheet or pan with 1/3 of the olive oil.
8
Sprinkle the bottom of the prepared pan with 1/2 tablespoon of the dry Italian seasonings and 1 tablespoon of the minced garlic.
9
Roll or press the dough out to fit the dimensions of the pan. Lay the dough into the pan, pressing it gently into the corners.
10
Brush the top of the dough with the remaining olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining garlic, remaining dry Italian seasonings, chopped fresh basil, and chopped fresh oregano.
11
Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until puffy.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
13
Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2 cups

Amount Per Serving
Calories 85kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2.4g4%
Saturated Fat 0.3g2%
Sodium 916mg39%
Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
Dietary Fiber 0.6g3%
Sugars 0.8g
Protein 2.3g5%

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

Keywords: bread, italian, herbs, garlic, olive oil, basil, oregano, yeast, homemade, pan bread, vegetarian, vegan, baking, dinner, side dish, garlic bread, rustic, dough

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/homemade-pan-bread-with-fresh-herbs/