Easy Garlic Herb Bread Machine Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Garlic Herb Bread recipe is perfect for those who want fresh, flavorful bread with minimal effort. Made in a bread machine, it combines aromatic garlic and Italian herbs for a delicious homemade loaf that pairs well with any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (such as basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour the warm water and olive oil into the bread machine pan.
- Step 2: Add the bread flour, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs on top of the liquid.
- Step 3: Make a small well in the flour mixture and add the active dry yeast.
- Step 4: Close the lid and select the Basic or White Bread setting on your bread machine. Choose your preferred crust color: light, medium, or dark.
- Step 5: Press start and let the machine mix, knead, rise, and bake the bread.
- Step 6: After baking is complete, carefully remove the bread and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture.
- Swap dried Italian herbs with fresh chopped herbs for a brighter taste, but reduce quantity to 1 tablespoon.
- Use bread flour for best texture, but all-purpose flour can be a substitute in a pinch.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, increase garlic powder by half a teaspoon.
Storage
Store the bread in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it longer, freeze the sliced bread in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven for a fresh taste.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast can be used but reduce the amount slightly, typically by about 25%, and you can add it directly to the dry ingredients without proofing.
What should I do if my bread doesn’t rise properly?
Check that your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature is between 110°F and 115°F. Water that is too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it properly.
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Easy Garlic Herb Bread Machine Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
Description
This Easy Garlic Herb Bread Machine Recipe delivers a flavorful, aromatic loaf made effortlessly using a bread machine. Infused with garlic powder and Italian herbs, this bread is perfect for sandwiches, toasts, or as a side to any meal. With minimal hands-on time, simply add the ingredients to your bread machine and let it mix, knead, rise, and bake a delicious homemade bread with a crispy crust and soft interior.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (such as basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Pour the warm water and olive oil into the bread machine pan. Add the bread flour, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs evenly over the liquid to ensure proper layering.
- Add Yeast: Create a small well in the center of the flour and carefully add the active dry yeast to keep it separate from the liquid until mixing begins.
- Select Settings: Close the bread machine lid and select the Basic or White Bread setting. Choose your preferred crust color: light, medium, or dark.
- Start the Machine: Press the start button and allow the bread machine to mix, knead, rise, and bake the bread fully, following its programmed cycle.
- Cool and Serve: When the baking cycle finishes, carefully remove the bread from the pan. Transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure water temperature is between 110°F to 115°F to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Use bread flour for better gluten development and a chewier texture.
- Dried Italian herbs can be adjusted according to personal taste preferences.
- For an extra crunchy crust, allow the bread to cool uncovered on a wire rack.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: garlic herb bread, bread machine bread, easy homemade bread, garlic bread, Italian herb bread, fluffy bread loaf
