Italian Herb Bread

s'kat's Note:

Fresh herbs infuse this hearty italian loaf! Prep time includes rising time.

• Total Time: 3 hrs 35 mins
• Prep Time: 3 hrs
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 32

Yield: 2.0 loaves

• 1 tablespoon dry yeast
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup freshly grated pecorino romano cheese
• 6 cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

1. Mix yeast, warm water and sugar together in a large bowl. Set aside for five minutes, or until mixture becomes foamy.
2. Stir in olive oil, salt, herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, cheese and 3 cups flour into the yeast mixture.
3. Gradually mix in next three cups of flour. (Dough will be stiff). Knead for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Place in an oiled bowl, turning to cover sides with oil. Cover with a damp linen towel, or plastic wrap. Let rise for 1 hour, or until dough has doubled.
5. Punch down to release all the air. Shape into two loaves. Place loaves on a greased cookie sheet, or into two 9x5 inch, greased pans.
6. Allow to rise for 1/2 hour again, until doubled in a warm place.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.
8. Remove loaves from pans and let cool on wire racks for at least 15 minutes, before slicing.

Reviews

[Karin...]

YUM!! I used crushed garlic instead of garlic powder for this recipe and it was divine! I'll definately be making this again one day!

[Debbie Smith]

This was a superb recipe! My fiance and I nearly gorged ourselves on the bread without looking at the main course it was served beside! The smell of the herbs and the garlic infused so well. It fulfills everything: smell, texture, and taste. WONDERFUL!

[Sheri-BDB]

This Italian bread is Excellent! The smell of it cooking in your oven is wonderful and the taste is just as wonderful! I agree with the others that this would also make a great pizza dough!