The Fourth Loaf: Rustic Garlic Herb Artisan Bread

The Fourth Loaf: Rustic Garlic Herb Artisan Bread

There's something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. This 'Fourth Loaf' recipe is a delightful twist on classic artisan bread, infusing rich garlic and fragrant herbs into every bite. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for a truly satisfying homemade bread.

Prep Time

25 minutes (plus 2-3 hours proofing)

Cook Time

35-40 minutes

Servings

1 large loaf (8-10 slices)

Ingredients

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and chopped thyme to the yeast mixture. Stir well.
3. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead for 6-8 minutes.
5. Lightly grease a clean large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Gently punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round or oblong loaf. You can also place it in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan for a more traditional shape.
7. Place the shaped loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in the greased loaf pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise again for another 45-60 minutes, or until nearly doubled in size.
8. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) with a rack in the middle. If using a baking sheet, you can place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack for a crispier crust.
9. Before baking, make a few shallow slits (about 1/2 inch deep) on top of the loaf with a sharp knife or razor blade. This helps the bread expand evenly.
10. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C). If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
11. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy the incredible aroma and taste of your homemade Garlic Herb Artisan Bread!