Herb and Garlic Loaf (Homemade)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Rise time: 1½–2 hours
Bake time: 30–35 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients
Dough
All-purpose flour: 3½ cups (440 g)
Warm milk or water: 1 cup (240 ml) (warm, not hot)
Instant yeast: 2¼ tsp (1 packet)
Sugar: 1 tbsp
Salt: 1 tsp
Olive oil or melted butter: 3 tbsp
Egg: 1 large (optional, for softer loaf)
Herb & Garlic Filling
Butter: 4 tbsp (60 g), softened
Garlic: 4–5 cloves, finely minced
Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
(or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
Dried oregano or Italian seasoning: 1 tsp
Salt: ½ tsp
Black pepper: ¼ tsp
Grated Parmesan (optional): ¼ cup
Instructions
- Make the dough
In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
Add oil (or butter), egg (if using), salt, and 3 cups of flour.
Mix until a soft dough forms. Add remaining flour gradually if needed.
Knead on a floured surface 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. - First rise
Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
Cover and let rise in a warm place 1–1½ hours, until doubled in size. - Prepare the filling
In a small bowl, mix butter, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and Parmesan (if using). - Shape the loaf
Punch down dough and roll into a rectangle (about 9×12 inches).
Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the dough.
Roll up tightly from the short side (like a cinnamon roll).
Place seam-side down into a greased loaf pan. - Second rise
Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes, until puffy. - Bake
Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F.
Bake 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and fragrant.
If browning too fast, loosely cover with foil. - Finish
Brush hot loaf with melted butter and sprinkle extra herbs if desired.
Cool slightly before slicing.