Braided Garden Herb Bread Recipes

BRAIDED ITALIAN HERB BREAD

Steps:

• Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, basil, salt, oregano, garlic powder, and rosemary in a large bowl.
• Combine milk, water, and butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in a microwave until butter melts, about 30 seconds. Pour over the flour mixture; beat until dough is just moistened. Add egg; beat until smooth. Stir in remaining 3 cups flour to form a soft dough.
• Turn dough onto a floured surface such as a large cutting board or countertop. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 4 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
• Divide dough into thirds. Shape each piece into a 15-inch rope. Transfer ropes to a greased baking sheet. Braid together. Pinch ends to seal; tuck under the braid. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 25 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Brush top of the braid with olive oil and sprinkle with basil.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet, or remove to a wire rack.

GARDEN HERB BRAID

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, salt and herbs. In a saucepan, heat the milk, water and butter to 120*-130*F. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add egg; beat until smooth. Stir in just enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
• Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 4-6 minutes. Cover and let rest for about 10 minutes.
• Divide dough into thirds. Shape each portion into a 15 inch rope. Place ropes on greased baking sheet and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Cover; let rise until doubled, about 20 minutes.
• Bake at 375*F. for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter. Combine herbs; sprinkle over bread. Then remove from pan to a wire rack to cool.
• Yield: 1 loaf (16 slices).

GARDEN HERB LOAF

Steps:

• In large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, salt, marjoram, thyme, and rosemary.
• Heat milk, water, and 1/4 cup butter until very warm (120° to 130°F); stir into dry ingredients.
• Stir in egg and enough remaining flour to make soft dough.
• Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 4 to 6 minutes.
• Cover; let rest on floured surface 10 minutes.
• Divide dough into 3 equal pieces.
• Roll each piece to 30-inch rope.
• Braid ropes; pinch ends to seal.
• Tie knot in center of braid; wrap ends around knot, in opposite directions, and tuck under to make round loaf.
• Place on greased baking sheet.
• Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 20 to 40 minutes.
• Bake at 375°F for 30 to 35 minutes or until done, covering with foil during last 10 minutes to prevent excess browning.
• Melt remaining butter; brush over loaf.
• If desired, sprinkle with additional marjoram, thyme, and rosemary.
• Remove from sheet; let cool on wire rack.

GARLIC-HERB BRAID

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast and seasonings. In a small saucepan, heat the milk, water and cubed butter to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add egg; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 4-6 minutes. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes., Divide dough into thirds. Shape each into a 15-in. rope. Place ropes on a greased baking sheet, and braid; pinch ends to seal and tuck under. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 25 minutes., Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Freeze option: Securely wrap and freeze cooled loaf in heavy-duty foil. To use, thaw at room temperature.