HOMEMADE ITALIAN HERB & CHEESE FRENCH BREAD #foodie #baking #recipe #breadrecipe #shorts #shortsfeed

#baking #recipe #AnnLexTV ❤️Thank you all for tuning in! 💸If you’d like to donate to the channel, we appreciate you! Cashapp:$annieb0908 🤝🏾Want to collab or have a business inquiry? Email: [email protected] _________________________________ 🛍️Visit our Etsy Shop to support our delicious baked goods: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AnnieCaribb... 💕Come Check Out My Sissy New Podcast:    / @abartley16   _____ 🇮🇹 Italian Herb & Parmesan French Bread Ingredients For the Dough: • 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading) • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast • 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F) • 2 tbsp granulated sugar • 1 ½ tsp salt • 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for brushing) • 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary) • ½ tsp garlic powder (optional but recommended) • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor) For the Topping: • 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing before baking) • 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing after baking) • 1–2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese • ½ tsp Italian seasoning or dried parsley (optional) ⸻ Instructions 1. Activate the Yeast • In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (110°F), sugar, and active dry yeast. • Stir gently and let sit for 5–10 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly — this means the yeast is active. ⸻ 2. Make the Dough • Once the yeast mixture is foamy, add olive oil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. • Stir in 2 ½ cups of flour and mix until a sticky dough forms. • Gradually add the remaining ¾ cup flour, mixing until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. ⸻ 3. Knead the Dough • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. • Knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth, soft, and elastic. • If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour as needed. ⸻ 4. First Rise • Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat it with oil. • Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size. ⸻ 5. Shape the Loaf • Punch down the dough to release air. • Shape into a long loaf (like a French bread). • Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a French bread pan. • Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffed and slightly larger. ⸻ 6. Prepare for Baking • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). • Brush the top of the loaf with olive oil, then sprinkle with a little Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning or parsley. • Using a sharp knife, make 3 diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf (about ¼ inch deep). ⸻ 7. Bake • Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped underneath. • Brush the hot loaf with melted butter right after baking for a soft, flavorful crust. ⸻ 8. Cool & Serve • Let the bread cool on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes before slicing. • Serve warm and enjoy the herby, cheesy aroma of homemade Italian bread! ⸻ 💡 Optional Add-Ins • Mix in ¼ cup shredded mozzarella for a cheesier loaf. • Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic bits to the dough for extra Italian flair.