Heirloom Herb and Garlic Bread

Immerse yourself in the warmth of tradition with this century-old recipe, passed down through generations. This herb and garlic bread, a legacy of my grandmother’s culinary prowess, stands as the most flavorful bread I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting. Let’s honor this timeless recipe by creating a loaf infused with herbs, garlic, and a blend of cheeses that promises to captivate your senses.

Ingredients for the Dough:

• Warm Water: 280 ml (9.46 fl oz)
• Sugar: 10 g (0.35 oz)
• Yeast: 5 g (0.18 oz) – Allow to hydrate for 10 minutes
• Flour: 370 g (13 oz)
• Salt: 10 g (0.35 oz)
• Oil: 40 ml (1.35 fl oz) – Let the dough leaven for 1 hour

Herb and Garlic Mixture:

• Parsley: 15 g (½ oz), finely chopped
• Dill: 15 g (½ oz), finely chopped
• Garlic: 60 g (2 oz), minced
• Oil: 50 ml (⅕ cup)
• Parmesan Cheese: 40 g (1.4 oz), grated
• Melted Butter: 75 g (2.65 oz)

For Garnishing:

• Parmesan Cheese: 30 g (1 oz), for sprinkling
• Tray Diameter: 26 cm (10.24 in)

For the Topping:

• Whole Garlic Cloves: 2, roasted
• Red Onion: 1, thinly sliced
• Oil: 20 ml (0.7 fl oz)
• Salt: 8 g (0.29 oz)
• Black Pepper: 5 g (0.18 oz)
• Cream Cheese: 150 g (5.3 oz)
• Green Onion: 10 g (0.35 oz), chopped
• Parsley: 10 g (0.35 oz), chopped
• Parmesan Cheese: 30 g (1 oz), for sprinkling
• Mozzarella Cheese: 40 g (1.4 oz), shredded
• Additional Salt and Black Pepper: 10 g each, to taste

Preparation Steps:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   • In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
2. Prepare the Dough:
   • Combine the activated yeast mixture with flour, salt, and oil. Knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
3. Herb and Garlic Mixture:
   • Mix together parsley, dill, minced garlic, oil, grated Parmesan, and melted butter. Set aside.
4. Assemble the Bread:
   • Once risen, roll out the dough and spread the herb and garlic mixture evenly on top. Roll the dough and slice into pieces if desired, then place in a greased 26 cm tray. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan.
5. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, roasted whole garlic cloves, sliced red onion, oil, salt, black pepper, chopped green onion, parsley, and shredded mozzarella. Mix well.
6. Bake:
   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Top the dough with the cheese and vegetable mixture. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
7. Serve:
   • Let the bread cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the rich flavors and soft, fluffy texture that make this bread truly unforgettable.

This Heirloom Herb and Garlic Bread not only carries the legacy of traditional baking but also offers a burst of flavors that make it a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome of this cherished recipe.