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
