French Bread & Garlic Herb Butter

Okay, so Dan and I have a soft spot for French Bread. We used to buy a loaf when we went grocery shopping and have it devoured before we even finished roaming the aisles. I wanted to try and make my own ... and I was amazed at how simple it is. HERE is where I got the bread recipe and HERE is where I got the garlic and herb butter.

French Bread: 

• 1 1/4 C water (70 to 80 degrees F)
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 1/2 C bread flour
• 1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast

     GLAZE:

• 1 egg
• 1 Tbsp water

In bread machine pan, place the first five ingredients in the order suggested by the manufacturer. Select dough setting (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or flour if needed).
When cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half. Roll each portion into a 10-in. x 8-in. rectangle. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seams to seal.

Place loaves seam side down on greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 20 minutes.

Whisk egg and water; brush over loaves. With a sharp knife, make four shallow slashes across the top of each loaf. Bake at 375° F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire racks.

Garlic Herb Butter:

• 1/2 C butter, softened
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1/4 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/8 tsp dried basil
• 1/8 tsp dried thyme
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 300° F.

In a small bowl, mix butter, garlic salt, rosemary, basil, thyme, garlic powder and Parmesan cheese.

Cut each loaf of French bread in half lengthwise. Spread each half of the French bread with equal portions of the butter mixture. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Place bread halves, crusts down, on a medium baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly browned (I usually cook the bread folded back together instead of opened).

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 94 g

Amount Per Serving

Calories 255 Calories from Fat 92

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 10.2g 16%

Saturated Fat 6.1g 31%

Cholesterol 43mg 14%

Sodium 314mg 13%

Total Carbohydrates 34.8g 12%

Dietary Fiber 1.4g 5%

Sugars 1.1g

Protein 5.6g

Vitamin A 6% • Vitamin C 0% Calcium 2% • Iron 12%

Nutrition Grade C+

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points

• Low in sugar
• High in selenium

Bad points

• High in saturated fat

Nutrition information based on 10 servings.