Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread

### Step-by-Step Instructions

#### 1. **Prepare the Sourdough Starter** (If You Don’t Have One)
If you already have an active sourdough starter, you can skip this step. If you don’t, you’ll need to make your starter a few days ahead of time. Here’s a basic process:

– Mix 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of water in a jar, cover loosely, and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
– For the next few days, feed the starter daily with equal parts flour and water. Within 4-7 days, it should be bubbly and ready for use.

#### 2. **Activate the Starter** (If Using an Existing Starter)
– In a large bowl, mix **1/2 cup of active sourdough starter** with **1/2 cup of warm water** and **1 cup of flour**. Let it sit for about 4-6 hours or overnight (depending on the strength of your starter) to become bubbly and active.

#### 3. **Mix the Dough**
– In a large bowl, combine the **sourdough starter**, **bread flour**, **warm water**, **olive oil**, **salt**, and **sugar**. Mix everything together until it forms a sticky dough. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft but not overly sticky.

– **Add the Garlic and Herbs**: Incorporate the **minced garlic** and **chopped fresh herbs** (and optional dried oregano/Italian seasoning) into the dough. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you have a stand mixer, you can use the dough hook attachment on medium speed for about 5-6 minutes.

#### 4. **First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)**
– Once the dough is well-kneaded, shape it into a rough ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise at room temperature for **4-6 hours**, or until it has doubled in size. If you want to go for a longer, slower rise, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 12 hours after the first rise for additional flavor development.

#### 5. **Shape the Dough**
– Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf, depending on your preference. You can also form it into a bâtard or boule shape for more rustic looks.

– Place the shaped dough onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or into a greased Dutch oven or bread pan if you want a more defined shape.

#### 6. **Second Rise**
– Cover the dough and allow it to rise for another **1-2 hours**, or until it has puffed up significantly. During this rise, the dough will continue to ferment, developing its signature tang and flavor.

#### 7. **Bake the Bread**
– Preheat your oven to **450°F (230°C)**. If you’re using a Dutch oven, preheat it as well by placing it in the oven while it heats.

– If you’re not using a Dutch oven, lightly score the top of your loaf with a sharp knife or bread lame to allow the bread to expand while baking.

– For a crisp, golden crust, place a small pan of water in the bottom of the oven to create steam. This helps develop the perfect crust on your sourdough.

– Bake the bread for **25-35 minutes**. The bread should be golden brown on the outside and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about **200°F (93°C)**.

– **Optional Step**: After baking, brush the top of the bread with **melted butter**, then sprinkle a little extra **minced garlic and herbs** on top for an added burst of flavor.

#### 8. **Cool the Bread**
– Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least **30 minutes** before slicing. This allows the crumb to set and prevents it from being too doughy in the center.

### Serving Ideas for Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread

Now that you’ve made this delicious **Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread**, it’s time to enjoy it! Here are a few ways you can serve this flavorful bread:

– **As a Side**: Serve with soups, stews, or pasta dishes for a hearty, flavorful addition.
– **For Sandwiches**: Use slices of this garlic herb bread for making sandwiches like turkey and cheese, or grilled cheese for a savory twist.
– **With Dips**: Perfect for dipping into olive oil and balsamic vinegar or a creamy spinach dip.
– **Toast**: Toast slices of the bread and spread on a bit of butter, or top with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for a simple bruschetta.

### Tips for Perfect Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread

– **Sourdough Starter**: Make sure your starter is active and bubbly before using it. If you haven’t fed your starter in a while, give it a feeding 24 hours before using it for the best rise.

– **Add Extra Garlic**: For garlic lovers, feel free to add extra garlic to the dough or sprinkle more minced garlic on top during the second rise for an even stronger garlic flavor.

– **Experiment with Herbs**: Try experimenting with different herb combinations, such as adding **thyme**, **oregano**, or **basil** for varying flavors that complement your favorite dishes.

– **Don’t Rush the Rise**: Allow your dough to rise slowly and steadily for the best flavor. Sourdough benefits from time, so be patient with the process.

### Final Thoughts

This **Garlic Herb Sourdough Bread** is everything you love about sourdough with an added punch of savory garlic and fresh herbs. The combination of tangy sourdough and aromatic seasonings creates a bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it on the side of a hearty soup, use it to make a savory sandwich, or just enjoy it with butter, this bread will surely impress. Plus, baking it at home fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that no store-bought loaf can match.