This easy to make bread is chewy, flavorful, and will make your home smell delicious while it bakes. Try serving with your favorite seasonal soups and stews, or slice it up thin and enjoy a delightfully crispy piece of homemade toast with your Autumn breakfast. It also makes a welcome (and affordable) contribution to potlucks and other shared meals as we move into the holiday season. If you’ve never tried baking your own bread before, this recipe is a great place to start!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon cane sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cups grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Add yeast, sugar, and warm water to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. (Tip: The water should be warm to the touch but not hot. If you want to get technical, the temperature should be between 100-115F.) You should see the yeast start to expand and bubble on the surface of the liquid. Once your yeast has ‘woken up’, add the Italian seasoning, salt, and minced garlic. Add in half the four and all of the cheese. Mix until combined. Add in the remaining flour gradually. You can do this with the dough attachment on a stand mixer, a large spoon, or knead it in by hand. Lightly grease a large bowl and tip the dough ball in to let rise somewhere warm for an hour. You can drape a clean dish towel or some plastic wrap over the top of the bowl to help prevent drafts.
Once the time has passed and your dough has visibly increased in size, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and transfer the dough from the bowl to a lightly greased baking sheet. You can also use parchment paper if you prefer. After transferring to the baking sheet, let the dough rise again on the pan for about 15 minutes. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown. (Tip: For a crispy outer crust, place a small bread pan in the bottom of the oven as it preheats. When you place the loaf in the oven to bake, pour about one half cup of water into this pan and close the door.)
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