If you love the idea of sinking your teeth into a warm, aromatic loaf filled with wholesome grains and fragrant herbs, then this Herbed Multigrain Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine a bread that is soft and tender inside but with a lightly crisp crust bursting with the savory notes of rosemary, thyme, oregano, and garlic powder. This is no ordinary loaf; it’s a beautiful harmony of textures and flavors that elevates every meal, whether it’s a simple sandwich, a buttery toast in the morning, or a perfect companion to your favorite soup or salad. Trust me, once you try this Herbed Multigrain Bread Recipe, you’ll be hooked on its comforting aroma and hearty goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this bread lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a vital role in developing flavor, texture, and that irresistible wholesome charm. From the nutty bite of whole wheat flour to the earthiness of mixed seeds and the bright pop of herbs, every component works together to make this bread shine.
- 2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C): Necessary to activate the yeast and create the perfect dough consistency.
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast: The magic that makes your bread rise and develop a light texture.
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar: Feeds the yeast for a natural rise and adds a subtle sweetness balancing savory herbs.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds moisture and richness for a tender crumb and enhances flavor.
- 2 cups whole wheat flour: Provides a hearty base with its nutty flavor and dense texture.
- 1½ cups bread flour or all-purpose flour: Helps with structure and elasticity for a good rise.
- ½ cup rolled oats: Adds chewiness and rustic character to the bread.
- 2 tbsp mixed seeds (optional): Boosts crunch and nutritional value with every bite.
- 1½ tsp salt: Enhances all flavors and controls yeast activity.
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary: Offers piney, aromatic notes perfect for savory bread.
- 1 tbsp dried thyme: Contributes subtle earthiness and depth.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Brings a hint of warmth and herbaceous punch.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Injects a welcoming, savory underpinning to every slice.
- Olive oil + extra herbs or oats (optional topping): For a golden, flavorful crust that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Make Herbed Multigrain Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by combining warm water, active dry yeast, and honey in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until you see a foamy layer forming on top. This means your yeast is alive and ready to give your bread that beautiful rise.
Step 2: Mix in Olive Oil
Once the yeast is bubbly, stir in the olive oil. This step infuses the dough with moisture and richness, which will result in a soft, tender crumb.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Mix in the whole wheat flour, bread or all-purpose flour, rolled oats, mixed seeds if you’re using them, dried herbs, garlic powder, and salt. The mix of herbs at this stage works wonders, permeating the dough with their earthy, aromatic essence.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Stir until a soft dough forms, then turn it onto a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes. This helps develop the gluten, giving your bread structure and chewiness. You’ll notice the dough becoming smooth and elastic as you work it.
Step 5: First Rise
Place your dough into an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours. It should roughly double in size. This slow rise enhances flavor and texture, making your bread that much more delicious.
Step 6: Shape and Second Rise
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan or onto a baking sheet. Cover again and allow it to rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. This final rise ensures your loaf will be light and airy.
Step 7: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, brush the top of the dough lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle extra herbs or oats for an irresistible crust that’s both tasty and visually inviting.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake your loaf for 35 to 40 minutes or until it’s a beautiful golden brown color on top and sounds hollow when tapped. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing. This cooling step is important to let the bread finish setting for the best texture.
How to Serve Herbed Multigrain Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness and flavor, garnish your slices with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil. These simple additions make each bite pop with brightness and an inviting aroma.
Side Dishes
This Herbed Multigrain Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty soups like tomato basil, butternut squash, or creamy mushroom. It’s also fantastic alongside vibrant salads or piled high with fresh cheese and tomatoes for a wholesome snack or light lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try toasting slices and topping them with smashed avocado and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a delicious breakfast or snack. You can also make an elevated grilled cheese sandwich using this bread and your favorite melting cheese, where the herbs add an exciting depth to every gooey bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bread wrapped tightly in a clean kitchen towel or sealed plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will help maintain the bread’s moisture and softness without getting too hard or stale.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Herbed Multigrain Bread Recipe for longer, slice it first and freeze in a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to toast slices as needed without thawing the whole loaf. Frozen bread is best used within 2 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating
To revive day-old or frozen bread, simply toast slices lightly or warm the whole loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, wrapped in foil. This refreshes the texture and flavor beautifully, almost like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in the Herbed Multigrain Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use fresh herbs, but since they are less concentrated than dried, you’ll want to triple the quantity to achieve a similar flavor intensity. Fresh rosemary, thyme, oregano, and minced garlic all work wonderfully in this bread.
What if I don’t have bread flour? Can I use all-purpose flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour can be used instead of bread flour. While bread flour has a higher protein content that creates a chewier texture, the all-purpose flour will still produce a delicious loaf with a slightly softer crumb.
Is it necessary to let the dough rise twice?
Yes, the two rises are important for developing both the flavor and texture of the bread. The first rise allows fermentation and flavor to develop, while the second rise helps the shaped loaf become light and airy before baking.
Can I add other seeds or nuts to this Herbed Multigrain Bread Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, or chopped nuts like walnuts for extra texture and flavor. Just keep the total added seeds to about 2 tablespoons to maintain the dough consistency.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The loaf is fully baked when it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C) for a perfectly baked loaf.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about baking your own bread, especially when it’s packed with flavors from fragrant herbs and wholesome grains. This Herbed Multigrain Bread Recipe is straightforward but yields an artisan-quality loaf that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and your table with pure comfort. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try baking this bread — it’s a wonderful way to bring warmth and homemade goodness into your everyday meals. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Herbed Multigrain Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Herbed Multigrain Bread recipe yields a flavorful and aromatic loaf made from hearty whole grains and fragrant herbs. The bread is soft and tender inside with a lightly crisp crust, making it ideal for sandwiches, toasting, or pairing with soups and salads.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Dry Ingredients
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1½ cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 2 tbsp mixed seeds (optional)
- 1½ tsp salt
Herbs and Spices
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Optional Topping
- Olive oil
- Extra herbs or oats for sprinkling
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and honey. Allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
- Add Olive Oil: Stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the yeast mixture to incorporate fat that adds tenderness to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the whole wheat flour, bread flour (or all-purpose flour), rolled oats, optional mixed seeds, dried rosemary, dried thyme, dried oregano, garlic powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix until a cohesive dough starts to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for structure.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release any trapped air. Shape it into a loaf and put it into a greased loaf pan or place it on a baking sheet if a free-form loaf is preferred.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough again and allow it to rise for an additional 30 to 45 minutes until it puffs up noticeably.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the top of the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle extra herbs or oats as desired to create a flavorful and decorative crust.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and a hollow sound is heard when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to ensure the bread finishes setting and slicing cleanly.
Notes
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried herbs; triple the amount when using fresh for best flavor.
- For a cheesy variation, add grated Parmesan cheese into the dough.
- This bread is excellent served warm with butter, drizzled olive oil, or alongside hearty soups.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European / Artisan
