Description
This Garlic Herb Braided Bread is a soft, golden loaf braided with buttery dough infused with roasted garlic, parmesan, and herbs. It’s beautiful, aromatic, and perfect for sharing at family dinners or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
- 1 tbsp dried mixed herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) or 2 tbsp fresh
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, 2 tbsp mozzarella, 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Stir sugar into warm water in a large bowl. Sprinkle yeast over top and rest for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough: Add olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and 2½ cups of flour. Stir until dough forms, adding remaining flour as needed.
- Knead Until Smooth: Knead on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until elastic, adding parmesan halfway through.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
- Braid the Loaf: Divide dough into 3 ropes, braid gently, and tuck ends underneath. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
- Bake: Brush loaf with melted butter, add toppings, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Serve: Cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter or dipping oil.
Notes
For extra flavor, brush the loaf with garlic butter before baking. Use instant yeast to reduce rise time by 15 minutes. For a vegan version, replace butter with olive oil and skip the cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Homemade Artisan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of loaf)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: garlic herb braided bread, herbed bread recipe, garlic parmesan bread, braided bread recipe, savory bread