Garlic Herb Butter Bread is a delicious and aromatic bread that’s perfect for any meal. This recipe combines soft, fluffy dough with a rich garlic herb butter, making it an ideal accompaniment to soups, salads, pasta, or as a snack on its own. The combination of fresh herbs and garlic infuses the bread with incredible flavor, making it a hit at any gathering. Let’s dive into making this delightful Garlic Herb Butter Bread!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough comes together.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
- Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Add the minced garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper to the melted butter. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Shape the Bread
- Punch Down the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut the Dough: Cut the dough into small squares or rectangles, approximately 1-2 inches in size.
- Arrange in Pan: Grease a round or rectangular baking pan. Arrange the dough pieces in the pan, slightly overlapping them.
Step 4: Add the Garlic Herb Butter
- Pour Over the Dough: Pour the garlic herb butter mixture evenly over the dough pieces, ensuring each piece gets coated.
- Second Rise: Cover the pan with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 190°F (88°C).
Step 6: Serve
- Cool Slightly: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
- Serve Warm: Serve the Garlic Herb Butter Bread warm, pulling apart the pieces as you go. Enjoy this flavorful bread with your favorite meals!
Cooking Notes
- Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough is smooth and elastic after kneading. This helps in achieving a soft and fluffy texture.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but you can use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available. Just reduce the quantity by half.
- Garlic: Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste. More garlic will give a stronger flavor.
Variations
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese between the dough pieces before pouring the garlic herb butter for a cheesy twist.
- Spicy Garlic Bread: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic herb butter for a spicy kick.
- Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version, use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure all other ingredients are keto-approved.
Low Carb Version
For a lower-carb option, use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for the dough. This will help reduce the overall carb content.
Garlic Herb Butter Bread is a delightful and flavorful addition to any meal. The combination of fresh herbs and garlic in a buttery sauce makes this bread irresistible. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or a snack, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious bread with your family and friends. Happy cooking!
Tips for Perfect Garlic Herb Butter Bread
- Even Coating: Ensure each piece of dough is well-coated with the garlic herb butter for maximum flavor.
- Monitor Baking: Keep an eye on the bread while baking to ensure it doesn’t overcook. The bread should be golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve Fresh: This bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when it’s warm and the flavors are most vibrant.
By following these tips and variations, you can create a Garlic Herb Butter Bread that’s both delicious and impressive. Enjoy this wonderful bread and the smiles it brings to everyone who tastes it.
