Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these two simple and delicious bread recipes will elevate your culinary repertoire. Perfect for any occasion, these breads are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. From the classic and comforting garlic bread to a rustic herb-infused loaf, these recipes will have you enjoying bakery-quality bread from the comfort of your kitchen.
Recipe 1: Classic Garlic Bread
Ingredients:
- Milk: 105ml (lukewarm)
- White Sugar: 12g (1 tbsp)
- Active Dry Yeast: 1.5g (½ tsp)
- Olive Oil: 15ml (1 tbsp)
- All-Purpose or Bread Flour: 150g
- Salt: 1.5g (¼ tsp)
- Softened Unsalted Butter: 14g (1 tbsp)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Parsley: Chopped, to taste
- Additional Salt: ¼ tsp (for garlic butter)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix the lukewarm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the olive oil and the yeast mixture.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- As the dough rises, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and extra salt in a small bowl.
- Shape the Dough:
- After the dough has finished rising, gently deflate it to release the trapped air.
- Roll it out into a rectangular shape, about 1 cm thick.
- Spread the garlic butter evenly over the dough. Roll the dough up tightly from one of the long edges to form a log.
- Second Rise:
- Place the rolled dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until it develops a golden-brown crust and a crispy exterior.
- Serve:
- Allow the garlic bread to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy it warm, paired with your favorite pasta dish or as a flavorful side for soups and salads.
Recipe 2: Rustic Herb Loaf
Ingredients:
- Warm Water: 180ml (¾ cup)
- Honey: 10g (2 tsp)
- Active Dry Yeast: 1 tsp
- All-Purpose or Bread Flour: 250g (2 cups)
- Salt: 5g (1 tsp)
- Mixed Dried Herbs: 1 tbsp (such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano)
- Olive Oil: 15ml (1 tbsp)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and honey.
- Dust the yeast on top and let it rest for 5-10 minutes until it starts to bubble and foam.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and dried herbs. Create a well in the center and add the olive oil and the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Loaf:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a round or oval loaf.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf with a damp cloth and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Serve:
- Let the loaf cool on a wire rack before slicing. This herb-infused bread pairs beautifully with olive oil dipping sauce, as a base for bruschetta, or simply on its own with a spread of butter.
Conclusion:
These two bread recipes are a fantastic way to bring the joy of homemade bread into your kitchen. Whether you prefer the savory, buttery goodness of classic garlic bread or the aromatic delight of a rustic herb loaf, both recipes offer something special for any meal. Easy to make and rich in flavor, these breads are sure to become staples in your culinary collection. Enjoy baking, and most importantly, enjoy eating!