Last Updated November 10, 2025 – Originally Published August 17, 2012
This French herb bread recipe uses Herbes de Provence, a fragrant blend of savory, fennel, basil, thyme, lavender flowers and other herbs. You can usually find this blend in most grocery stores. The loaf toasts beautifully and is delicious with cream cheese, and it also makes excellent sandwiches — we enjoyed it with leftover pork roast.
FAQ for This Recipe
- Different yeast types and how to substitute: active dry, instant, bread machine, and quick-rise yeasts behave differently. Check guidance for conversions when switching yeast types.
- Bread machines vary in pan size and capacity. If your machine is a different size than the recipe specifies, convert ingredient amounts accordingly.
- Flour choice matters: bread flour and all-purpose flour produce different textures. Use the type recommended for best results or adjust hydration slightly if substituting.
French Herb Bread Recipe
Makes one 2-pound loaf. Use the basic/white cycle with a medium crust.
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup water
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2/3 cup potato flakes
- 4 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence
- 1 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
Follow the ingredient order recommended by your bread machine manual. Start the machine on the basic or white cycle with a medium crust setting.
Check the dough after 5–10 minutes of kneading. It should form a smooth, round ball. If the dough seems too dry, add water or milk a teaspoon at a time until the dough comes together. If it appears too wet and sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time until the surface is smooth and elastic.
I used the basic cycle on my machine for this loaf. Once baking finishes, remove the loaf from the pan and cool on a rack before slicing to preserve crumb structure.
