Garlic Herb French Bread

This homemade Garlic Herb French Bread is packed with flavor from a mix of dried herbs and fresh garlic. The dough is infused with basil, marjoram, thyme, parsley, and garlic, then topped with a rich garlic butter spread for an extra layer of deliciousness. Perfect for serving alongside soups, pasta dishes, or even on its own, this bread is a must-try for any garlic lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with flavor – A perfect blend of herbs and garlic makes every bite irresistible.
• Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside – Achieves the perfect texture with a golden crust and fluffy center.
• Pairs well with everything – Ideal as a side for soups, pasta, or even sandwiches.
• Easy to make at home – No need to buy store-bought garlic bread when you can make this fresh.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bread flour – 2 ½ cups
• Fleishmann’s active dry yeast – 1 package
• Granulated sugar – 1 tablespoon
• Sea salt – 1 teaspoon
• Hot water – 1 cup
• Butter (unsalted) – 3 tablespoons
• Garlic (minced) – 1 tablespoon
• Garlic powder – ⅛ teaspoon
• Basil (dried) – 1 ⅛ teaspoons
• Marjoram (dried) – 1 ⅛ teaspoons
• Thyme (dried) – 1 ⅛ teaspoons
• Parsley (dried) – 1 ⅓ tablespoons

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine bread flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add hot water and mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead and Rest: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Bread: Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter: Melt the butter and mix it with minced garlic, garlic powder, basil, marjoram, thyme, and parsley.
5. Brush and Bake: Brush the herb butter over the loaf, then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
• Spicy Version: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the garlic butter for a little heat.
• Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
• Fresh Herbs: Use fresh basil, parsley, or thyme instead of dried for a more intense flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 20 seconds.

FAQs

How can I make the bread extra crispy?

For a crispier crust, bake the bread on a preheated pizza stone or add a small dish of water to the oven while baking to create steam.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, substitute bread flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but the texture may differ slightly.

What’s the best way to slice the bread?

Use a serrated bread knife to get clean, even slices without crushing the loaf.

Can I add more garlic?

Absolutely! Increase the garlic for a stronger flavor or add roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder taste.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes, fresh garlic works great, but keep in mind that garlic powder provides a more even distribution of flavor.

Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

Yes, use the dough setting for mixing and kneading, then shape and bake it in the oven for the best texture.

Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

Yes, olive oil works as a great substitute for butter and adds a slightly different flavor.

How do I prevent the bread from drying out?

Store it in an airtight container and avoid slicing it until ready to serve.

Can I add other herbs?

Yes, rosemary, oregano, or even chives would be great additions to the herb mix.

Conclusion

Garlic Herb French Bread is a flavorful, homemade treat that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Whether you enjoy it as a side, toast it for breakfast, or use it for sandwiches, this bread is sure to impress. Try making it at home and enjoy the fresh, garlicky aroma filling your kitchen.

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• Author: asma
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Herb French Bread is a flavorful homemade delight, infused with aromatic herbs like marjoram, thyme, basil, and parsley. The soft, fluffy interior is paired with a golden, buttery crust enriched with garlic butter. Perfect for serving with soups, pasta, or Italian dishes, this homemade garlic bread is easy to make and irresistibly delicious!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Bread:

• 2 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 package Fleishmann’s active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup hot water

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 1/8 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 1/8 teaspoons dried marjoram
• 1 1/8 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 1/3 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, yeast, sugar, and sea salt.
   • Gradually add the hot water and mix until a dough forms.
   • Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
2. Shape and Second Rise:
   • Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf.
   • Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
3. Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter:
   • In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, basil, marjoram, thyme, parsley, and garlic powder.
4. Bake the Bread:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Brush the risen dough generously with the garlic herb butter.
   • Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
5. Final Touch:
   • Once out of the oven, brush with additional garlic butter if desired.
   • Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

• For a crispier crust, bake the bread with a small pan of water in the oven.
• Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for a more intense flavor.
• Serve warm with pasta, soup, or as a side for grilled dishes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Bread, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French, Italian