📌 Description
This homemade artisan garlic herb bread features a crispy golden crust, soft fluffy interior, and aromatic rosemary and thyme topping. It’s an easy no-knead bread recipe that delivers bakery-quality results using simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, gourmet sandwiches, or as a side for pasta and soups.
If you’re interested in home baking, premium kitchen appliances, sourdough starters, organic flour brands, or professional baking techniques, this recipe fits perfectly into those high-value culinary topics.
🛒 Ingredients
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3 ½ cups bread flour (high-protein flour recommended)
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1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
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2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (cold-pressed preferred)
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1 tsp sugar
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1 ½ tsp sea salt
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3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
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1 tbsp fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
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1 tsp dried thyme
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Flaky sea salt for topping
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Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add flour, salt, olive oil, and minced garlic. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 60–90 minutes until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape
Transfer dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Gently stretch into an oval or rectangle.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover and let rest 30–40 minutes.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Dimple the dough with your fingers. Drizzle olive oil on top. Sprinkle rosemary, thyme, and flaky salt.
Step 7: Bake
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
🔥 Pro Baking Tips (Professional Kitchen Secrets)
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Use a pizza stone or Dutch oven for better crust development.
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High-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor.
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For gourmet variation, add sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions.
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Brush melted butter + garlic immediately after baking for extra richness.
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Use a digital thermometer — internal temp should reach 190–200°F.
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Artisan bread recipes
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No-knead bread
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Homemade focaccia
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Yes! This is an easy hand-mixed recipe. No expensive equipment required.
2. What is the best flour for artisan bread?
Bread flour with 12–14% protein gives the best structure. Organic unbleached flour works great.
3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes. Skip proofing and mix directly with dry ingredients.
4. How do I store homemade bread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
5. Can I make this into sourdough focaccia?
Absolutely. Replace yeast with ½ cup active sourdough starter and adjust rising time.
6. Why is my bread dense?
Common causes include expired yeast, not enough rise time, or overworking the dough.
7. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, but use a high-quality gluten-free bread flour blend designed for yeast baking.
