Garlic Thyme Bread is a savory, aromatic loaf that combines the warmth of freshly baked bread with the robust flavors of garlic, thyme, and rosemary. This bread is perfect as a side dish, for sandwiches, or simply enjoyed on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, thyme, and rosemary infuses the bread with a rich, savory taste.
- Versatile: Ideal for various occasions, from casual dinners to festive gatherings.
- Aromatic: The herbs and garlic create an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different herbs or cheeses to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg white (reserve the yolk)
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1 cup warm water
- Approximately 3.5 cups flour (add gradually until the dough reaches the desired consistency)
For the Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- Slightly more than 1/2 cup olive oil
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Salt
For Assembly
- Reserved egg yolk
- Cheddar cheese, for filling
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine instant yeast, sugar, salt, egg white, oil, and warm water. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rest for 1 hour in a warm place until it doubles in size.
- Degas and Roll Out: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air bubbles and knead briefly. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin to your desired thickness.
- Prepare the Baking Tray: Place the rolled-out dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking tray.
- Cut and Fill: Using a cutter, make incisions on the dough. Brush the surface with the reserved egg yolk. Place cheddar cheese into the cut areas.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix grated garlic, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, and salt.
- Apply the Sauce: Evenly spread the sauce over the prepared dough.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Bake the bread until it turns golden brown, indicating it’s fully cooked.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 8 slices
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as oregano, basil, or sage for unique flavors.
- Cheese Options: Substitute cheddar with mozzarella, feta, or gouda to change the taste profile.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or black pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Whole Wheat Version: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the bread to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, wrap the bread in aluminum foil and warm in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 10–15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast. However, you’ll need to activate it in warm water with sugar before adding it to the other ingredients.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature and rise before proceeding with the recipe.
Is it necessary to use both thyme and rosemary?
While both herbs contribute to the flavor, you can use either one based on your preference or availability.
Can I freeze the baked bread?
Yes, once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour works well for this recipe. You can also use bread flour for a chewier texture.
Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely. Consider adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions for additional flavor.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread should have a golden-brown crust and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for bread baking. Be aware that texture and rise may vary.
Is there a vegan version of this bread?
To make it vegan, omit the egg white and yolk, and use a plant-based cheese alternative or skip the cheese altogether.
What can I serve with Garlic Thyme Bread?
This bread pairs well with soups, salads, pasta dishes, or can be enjoyed as an appetizer with dips.
Conclusion
Garlic Thyme Bread is a flavorful and versatile addition to any meal. Its aromatic herbs and savory garlic make it a favorite for gatherings or everyday dining. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this bread is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Print
Garlic Thyme Bread
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 large loaf or 8 servings
- Category: Bread, Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Garlic Thyme Bread is a beautifully flavored homemade bread, filled with melty cheddar, fragrant herbs, and a savory garlic-infused olive oil topping. Perfect as a side for soups, stews, or to enjoy on its own!
Ingredients
For the dough:
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1 tsp instant yeast
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1 tsp sugar
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1 tsp salt
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1 egg white (save yolk for brushing)
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1/4 cup oil
-
1 cup warm water
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~3.5 cups flour (add gradually)
For the sauce:
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2 cloves garlic, grated
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Slightly more than 1/2 cup olive oil
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Thyme
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Rosemary
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Salt, to taste
For the topping:
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Egg yolk
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Cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed
Instructions
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In a large bowl, mix together yeast, sugar, salt, egg white, oil, and warm water.
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Gradually add flour until a soft, non-sticky dough forms (approx. 3.5 cups).
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Knead the dough well, then cover and let rise for 1 hour.
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After rising, degas the dough and knead again briefly.
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Roll out the dough to your desired thickness and shape, then place on a greased or parchment-lined tray.
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Score the dough with a cutter. Brush the top with egg yolk.
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Place cheddar cheese pieces in the cut areas.
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In a small bowl, mix olive oil, grated garlic, thyme, rosemary, and salt.
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Spread the herb-garlic sauce over the top of the dough.
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Bake at 200°C (about 390°F) in a preheated oven until golden brown.
Notes
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Use fresh herbs for extra flavor or dried ones for convenience.
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Serve warm for melty cheese perfection.
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Can be shaped as a pull-apart bread for sharing.
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