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Lord of the Rings Hobbiton Herb Bread Recipe

4.6 from 99 reviews

This Hobbiton Herb Bread recipe inspired by the Shire combines aromatic fresh and dried herbs with a soft, flavorful loaf perfect for any meal. The bread features rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley, and garlic, making it wonderfully fragrant and savory. Easy to make with basic ingredients and baked to a golden crust, it’s a delightful homemade bread that brings a touch of Middle-earth to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs

  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let this mixture stand for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Dough Ingredients: Add olive oil, salt, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, dried oregano, and dried parsley to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the all-purpose flour while mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Then place it in an oiled bowl, cover, and allow it to rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  4. Shape and Proof: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let the dough proof for another 30-40 minutes until it nearly doubles again.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle additional herbs if desired.
  6. Bake the Bread: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  7. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy fresh or as part of your favorite meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor, but dried herbs work well too.
  • Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
  • For a crustier bread, place an oven-safe dish with water in the oven during baking to create steam.
  • You can substitute olive oil with another vegetable oil if preferred.
  • Store leftover bread in an airtight container and consume within 3 days for best freshness.

Keywords: herb bread, rosemary bread, homemade bread, garlic bread, hobbiton bread, fresh herbs bread, savory bread