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