Hearth Cranberry Herb Bread (Printable)
A warm loaf infused with tart cranberries and fresh herbs, ideal for cozy autumn moments.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 3 cups bread flour
02 - 2 teaspoons instant yeast
03 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
04 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 - 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
→ Add-ins
07 - 1 cup dried cranberries
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
→ Topping
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 1 tablespoon rolled oats (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Whisk together bread flour, instant yeast, sea salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
02 - Pour warm water and melted butter into dry ingredients and mix until shaggy dough forms.
03 - Stir in dried cranberries, rosemary, and thyme until evenly combined.
04 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
05 - Place dough in greased bowl, cover with towel, and let rise in warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
06 - Punch down dough, shape into loaf, transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet or greased loaf pan; cover loosely and let rise 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.
07 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
08 - Brush loaf top with olive oil and sprinkle with rolled oats if using.
09 - Bake 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
10 - Cool bread on wire rack at least 30 minutes before slicing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The tart cranberries and garden herbs create a sophisticated flavor that feels like autumn in every bite, something you'll want to share with everyone you know.
- This bread transforms an ordinary day into something special—it's the kind of loaf that makes people linger at the table longer than they planned.
- Once you master this recipe, you'll find yourself making it for every gathering, because it pairs beautifully with cheese, honey butter, or even on its own with a cup of tea.
02 -
- Water temperature truly makes or breaks bread—too hot and you kill the yeast before it can work, too cold and nothing rises. Invest in a simple thermometer if you make bread regularly.
- Don't skip the second rise. This is where your bread develops that wonderful open crumb structure and airy texture that makes people ask if you went to culinary school.
03 -
- If you don't have fresh herbs available, don't make this bread with dried herbs—the flavor profile changes entirely and loses the fresh garden element. Instead, make it with just the cranberries and try this recipe again when fresh herbs are available.
- The best time to add cranberries and herbs is after you've mixed the initial dough but before you knead, so they get incorporated without getting crushed into the gluten network.