Garlic Herb Braided Bread: 7 Flavorful Reasons to Bake This Stunning Loaf Today Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Herb Braided Bread is a delightful way to elevate your homemade bread game. Filled with fragrant garlic, mixed herbs, and parmesan cheese, this stunning loaf is as flavorful as it is beautiful. It’s perfect for sharing or enjoying with your favorite meal.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
• 1 tbsp dried mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, basil) or 2 tbsp fresh
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
• Optional Add-ins:
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Step 2: Stir in olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and 2½ cups of flour. Mix until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Gradually add remaining flour as needed.
3. Step 3: Knead dough by hand or with a mixer for 6–8 minutes. Add parmesan halfway through kneading.
4. Step 4: Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1 hour).
5. Step 5: Punch down dough and divide into 3 equal parts. Roll into 14–16 inch ropes and braid. Tuck ends underneath and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
7. Step 7: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush loaf with melted butter. Add optional toppings like red pepper flakes, mozzarella, or parsley if desired.
8. Step 8: Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool slightly before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor or dried herbs for convenience.
• For a softer crust, brush the loaf again with melted butter right after baking.
• Try adding chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes in the dough for extra flavor.
• If you like a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes inside the braid as well as on top.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped in foil or airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaf wrapped tightly for up to one month; thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving. Reheat gently to preserve the soft interior and flavorful crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast using the same amount. With instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing in water first.

How do I make the garlic flavor more mild or strong?

Roasting the garlic before adding it will create a milder, sweeter garlic flavor. For stronger garlic taste, use raw minced garlic directly in the dough.

Garlic Herb Braided Bread: 7 Flavorful Reasons to Bake This Stunning Loaf Today Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 131 reviews

This Garlic Herb Braided Bread is a stunning, flavorful loaf perfect for any occasion. Featuring fragrant garlic, mixed herbs, and a cheesy parmesan twist, this bread combines simple ingredients with a beautiful braided presentation, making it as delightful to serve as it is to eat. The soft, golden crust and tender crumb are enhanced with a buttery finish, making it ideal for sharing with family or adding a rustic touch to your meals.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (serves 8) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Basic Dough Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar

Flavor Additions

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
• 1 tbsp dried mixed herbs (oregano, thyme, basil) or 2 tbsp fresh
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)

Optional Add-ins

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the dough mixture: Stir in olive oil, minced or roasted garlic, dried or fresh herbs, salt, and 2½ cups of the flour into the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Gradually add the remaining flour as needed to reach the right dough consistency.
3. Knead the dough: Knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook on a mixer for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. About halfway through kneading, incorporate the grated parmesan cheese evenly into the dough.
4. First rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.
5. Shape the bread: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into three equal parts and roll each into 14–16 inch ropes. Braid the three ropes together, tuck the ends underneath, and place the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Second rise: Cover the braided loaf loosely with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
7. Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the loaf evenly with melted butter. Add any optional toppings like red pepper flakes, shredded mozzarella, or fresh parsley for garnish if desired.
8. Bake the bread: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and smells fragrant. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

• For a deeper garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding.
• Adding a sprinkle of sesame or poppy seeds before baking can enhance texture and appearance.
• Ensure water temperature is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast; 110°F is ideal.
• If the dough is too sticky, add flour gradually but do not overdo to keep bread soft.
• Store leftover bread in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
• Optional cheese toppings add extra richness but can be omitted for a lighter loaf.

Keywords: Garlic bread, Herb bread, Braided bread recipe, Parmesan bread, Homemade bread, Italian bread, Garlic herb loaf