Italian Herb Infused French Bread
Experience the delightful aroma and texture of this Italian Herb Infused French Bread, a versatile and flavorful loaf perfect for any occasion. Crafted in your bread machine, this light and airy bread can be enjoyed plain, or you can enhance its flavor by experimenting with various herbs and cheeses. Ideal for serving alongside pasta dishes, soups, or simply toasted with olive oil, this one-pound loaf is a culinary canvas for your creativity. Enjoy a slice of homemade goodness that transports you to an Italian bakery with every bite!
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 cup (room temperature)
sugar
2 teaspoons (granulated)
salt
1 teaspoon (kosher or sea salt)
bread flour
3 cups (measured)
parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
dried basil
1 tablespoon (crushed)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (crushed)
bread machine yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons (instant or active dry)
Instructions
1
Begin by measuring the water and ensure it is at room temperature.
2
Add the water to the bread pan of your bread machine, followed by the sugar, salt, and bread flour, layering them as you go.
3
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and finally the bread machine yeast on top of the flour.
4
Select the French Bread cycle on your bread machine, ensuring the crust setting is set to medium and the loaf size is set to 1 pound.
5
Once the cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack.
6
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its texture. Enjoy fresh or store for later use!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Italian Herb Infused French Bread?
It is a light and airy one-pound loaf crafted in a bread machine, featuring Parmesan cheese, basil, and oregano for a flavorful, aromatic finish.
Can I make this bread without a bread machine?
Yes, you can knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer, let it rise until doubled, shape it, let it rise again, and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until golden.
What size loaf does this recipe produce?
This specific recipe is designed to make a one-pound loaf.
Which bread machine cycle should I select?
You should select the French Bread cycle on your machine for the best results.
What is the recommended crust setting?
The recipe recommends using the medium crust setting.
Why must the water be at room temperature?
Room temperature water ensures the yeast activates properly without being killed by heat or remaining dormant due to cold.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
You can, but bread flour has more protein and gluten, which results in a better rise and a chewier texture characteristic of French bread.
What kind of yeast should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of bread machine yeast, also known as instant or active dry yeast.
Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried ones?
Yes, but use a 3-to-1 ratio; use 3 tablespoons of fresh basil and 3 teaspoons of fresh oregano to replace the dried amounts.
How should I store the finished bread?
Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to three days.
Can I add more Parmesan cheese to the dough?
You can add a bit more, but exceeding 1/4 cup may weigh down the dough and affect the rise.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
As written, it contains Parmesan cheese. You can make it vegan by substituting the cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative.
Why did my bread fail to rise?
Common reasons include expired yeast, water that was too hot, or measuring the flour too tightly which makes the dough too heavy.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 teaspoons of sugar with 2 teaspoons of honey.
What are the best serving suggestions for this bread?
It is ideal served alongside pasta dishes, soups, or sliced and toasted with a drizzle of olive oil.
Can I double the recipe for a larger loaf?
Only if your bread machine is rated for a 2-pound loaf; ensure you double all ingredients exactly.
How long does the French Bread cycle usually take?
Most bread machines take between 3 and 4 hours for a French Bread cycle due to longer rising times.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, hard cheeses like Romano or Asiago work very well as substitutes for Parmesan.
Do I need to grease the bread machine pan?
No, most bread machine pans are non-stick and do not require greasing.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, adding 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder along with the herbs provides a delicious savory boost.
Can I freeze the baked loaf?
Yes, once cooled completely, wrap it tightly in foil and then a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Is this bread good for sandwiches?
Absolutely, it makes excellent Italian-style sub sandwiches or panini.
What if I do not have a wire rack for cooling?
You can prop the bread up on its side or use a clean oven rack to ensure air circulates underneath to prevent a soggy bottom.
Why is my crust too hard?
French bread naturally has a crisp crust, but if it is too hard, try using the light crust setting next time.
How do I know when the bread is finished?
The machine will beep when done, and the loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I add olives to the dough?
Yes, add about 1/4 cup of chopped olives during the 'add-in' beep of your bread machine cycle.
What is the target internal temperature for the bread?
The internal temperature should reach approximately 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit when fully baked.
Is bread machine yeast different from active dry yeast?
Bread machine yeast is finer and dissolves faster, but you can use active dry yeast if you dissolve it in the water first.
Can I use the delay timer for this recipe?
Yes, as it contains no perishable milk or eggs, the delay timer is safe to use for this specific recipe.
What happens if I slice the bread while it is still hot?
Slicing hot bread can cause the structure to collapse and the inside to become gummy; cooling allows the crumb to set.