Name: Vegan Garlic Herb Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 205 ml lukewarm water; 3.5 g instant yeast; 1 tablespoon olive oil or any other light oil; 325 g strong white bread flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk for brushing only; 60 g vegan butter; 8 cloves garlic; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 2 tablespoons dried thyme; 6 tablespoons fresh coriander; 7 tablespoons fresh basil; ½ teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 7 reviews

If you’re anything like me and love cozy, flavorful bread that you can dunk, tear, and savor, then you’re in for a treat with this Vegan Garlic Herb Bread Recipe. It’s soft, herbaceous, and packed with garlicky goodness—perfect whether it’s a side for dinner or a snack you can’t stop nibbling on. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it on repeat. So, let’s dive into making this fan-freaking-tastic bread together!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples with fresh herbs to create amazing flavor without fuss.
Perfect Texture: Bread flour and a good knead ensure a soft, fluffy crumb with just the right chew.
Garlic Herb Filling: A vibrant blend of garlic, fresh and dried herbs, and vegan butter for mouthwatering richness.
Show-stopping Presentation: Twisting the dough with the filling exposed creates gorgeous layers that impress every time.

Vegan Garlic Herb Bread, vegan garlic bread, herb bread recipe, easy vegan bread, plant-based garlic bread - The image shows a twisted loaf of herb bread with several layers visibly intertwined, each layer having a golden brown crust and a soft white inside mixed with green herbs and spices scattered throughout. It sits on a piece of baking paper on top of a white marbled surface. Around it, there are small bowls filled with green herbs and coarse salt, a wooden rolling pin wrapped in a beige cloth, and some fresh green herb leaves scattered on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right combination of ingredients really elevates this Vegan Garlic Herb Bread Recipe. Each component plays a role—from the bread flour’s protein for a sturdy dough, to a mix of fresh and dried herbs that give layers of flavor. Plus, the almond milk finish adds a subtle golden touch without overpowering the vegan delight.

Vegan Garlic Herb Bread, vegan garlic bread, herb bread recipe, easy vegan bread, plant-based garlic bread - Flat lay of a small mound of strong white bread flour, a large white ceramic bowl filled with lukewarm water, three whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of creamy unsweetened almond milk, a small white bowl of softened vegan butter, eight fresh whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl with dried parsley, a small white bowl with dried thyme, a handful of fresh coriander sprigs, and a handful of fresh basil leaves, all arranged in perfect symmetry and natural proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bread flour: Essential for gluten development, which means your bread will rise beautifully and have a chewy, tender crumb.
Instant yeast: Easy to use and reliable, it helps get that perfect rise so your bread’s light and fluffy.
Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough without heaviness.
Almond milk: Used for brushing the bread before baking to give a lovely golden finish—don’t skip this if you want that perfect look.
Vegan butter: The base of the filling, providing creamy texture and richness that melds perfectly with herbs and garlic.
Garlic: Eight cloves means you get a punch of mellow, aromatic garlic without overwhelming the bread.
Dried parsley and thyme: Offer a consistent herby flavor and help balance the fresh herbs.
Fresh coriander and basil: Brighten the filling with freshness and a touch of sweet herbal flavor.
Salt: Key for balancing flavors—both in the dough and in the filling so nothing tastes flat.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love experimenting with different herbs in this Vegan Garlic Herb Bread Recipe because the filling really makes the bread. Sometimes, I’ll swap fresh basil for rosemary or add a touch of chili flakes for heat. You should totally make this bread your own—customizing it is half the fun!

Herb Variations: I once tried swapping fresh coriander for thyme for a milder, earthier note; both are delicious depending on your preference.
Olive Oil Substitution: For a more neutral flavor, I’ve replaced olive oil with avocado oil, which works wonderfully too.
Dairy-Free Butter: Using your favorite vegan butter brand here affects flavor slightly, so until you find your fave, experiment a little to see what you like best.
Add-Ins: Sometimes I toss in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist—try it and let me know what you think!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Garlic Herb Bread Recipe

Step 1: Start with the Perfect Dough

First things first: mix your lukewarm water with the instant yeast in a large bowl. Make sure your water isn’t hot—it’ll kill the yeast, and that means no rise. After a minute or two, add olive oil, then flour, and sprinkle salt on top of the flour (keeping salt and yeast apart until mixing is key). Stir until it comes together into a rough dough. Then, turn it onto a floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes, until it springs back when you poke it. This is where that bread flour really shines, giving you stretch and strength in the dough.

Step 2: Let It Rise and Prepare the Filling

Oil a bowl and pop the dough in, covering it with a damp cloth. Let it sit for about an hour until doubled in size. While it’s resting, blitz your filling ingredients—vegan butter, garlic, herbs, and salt—in a food processor until you get a chunky paste. No processor? No problem! Just soften the butter and finely chop those herbs, then mix everything by hand with a fork. The filling is where your bread gets its punch of flavor, so don’t rush this step.

Step 3: Shape and Roll with Love

Once the dough has risen, gently knock out the air by punching it lightly for 5-10 seconds. Roll it out into a rectangle about 35 cm by 20 cm and 0.5-1 cm thick. Spread your garlic herb filling evenly over the dough—it’s so satisfying to see that green and creamy mix spread all over. Then, start rolling the dough from one of the short edges to create a thick, short roll.

Step 4: The Magic Twist

Cut a slit lengthwise down the middle of your roll, leaving the top part intact. Now, here’s the fun part: turn the filling outwards, then fold one strand over the other, repeating the process until you reach the bottom. Pinch the ends tightly and tuck the pinched bit under the loaf to prevent unraveling. This technique creates those gorgeous layers with filling peeking through—the “wow” factor everyone notices. Place your loaf on a baking tray for a final prove of 45 minutes.

Step 5: Bake it to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 190°C (fan) or 210°C (non-fan). Just before baking, brush the loaf with almond milk to give it a lovely golden crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes until it’s crispy on the outside and beautifully browned. The smell wafting through your kitchen? Pure comfort in the making.

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Garlic Herb Bread Recipe

Water Temperature Matters: Always use lukewarm water to activate yeast without killing it. I once ruined a batch by using hot water—learn from me!
Don’t Rush Kneading: Knead until the dough springs back—this develops the gluten for the perfect rise and texture.
Pinch & Tuck Ends: Pinching the bread ends tight and tucking them under prevents the twist from falling apart in the oven.
Use Fresh Herbs If Possible: Fresh herbs add brightness that dried herbs can’t match; if you have to use dried, boost the quantity slightly.

How to Serve Vegan Garlic Herb Bread Recipe

Vegan Garlic Herb Bread, vegan garlic bread, herb bread recipe, easy vegan bread, plant-based garlic bread - There is a white plate with two large slices of braided bread that has a golden brown crust and visible green herb filling swirled inside each slice, with one slice resting partially on top of the other. Next to the plate, a larger piece of the same braided bread, showing three twisted layers with dark green herbs baked in between, sits on white parchment paper. Around the bread, there are small white bowls and dishes with white salt and green chopped herbs, including one dish with a small wooden spoon. To the right, a small round bowl holds fresh green parsley leaves. All items are placed on a white marbled surface with a light beige cloth on the right edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a bit of extra fresh chopped basil or a few pinches of flaky sea salt over the warm, freshly baked bread. It adds a fresh pop and crunchy contrast that makes each bite extra special.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with hearty soups like tomato basil or creamy pumpkin. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside vegan chili or as a base for dipping into creamy hummus or olive oil with balsamic vinegar.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I arrange slices in a circular pattern on a wooden board with small bowls of olive oil, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted veggies. It makes the bread the star centerpiece while inviting people to customize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like storing leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days—any longer and it tends to dry out, so I quickly transfer extras to the freezer.

Freezing

Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, so it doesn’t pick up freezer smells. It freezes beautifully and you can keep it for up to a month. When I’m pressed for time, this step saves the day.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices straight into a toaster oven or bake at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to revive that fresh-baked warmth and crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the bread tough.

FAQs

Can I make this Vegan Garlic Herb Bread Recipe without a food processor?

Absolutely! You can soften your vegan butter and finely chop the herbs by hand, then mix everything vigorously with a fork or spatula until combined. It might take a bit more elbow grease, but the flavor is just as good.
Why is bread flour recommended, and can I use all-purpose flour instead?

Bread flour has a higher protein content which helps develop gluten, making the bread springy and chewy. All-purpose flour has less protein and can result in a denser, less elastic bread. You can use all-purpose flour if needed, but expect a different texture.
How do I know if my yeast is still active?

When you mix the yeast with lukewarm water, you should see bubbles or some foam forming after 5-10 minutes. If nothing happens, your yeast may be dead and you’ll want to get a fresh packet.
Can I add extra garlic or herbs for a stronger flavor?

Definitely! You can adjust the garlic and herbs to suit your taste, just be cautious not to overwhelm the dough balance—sometimes less is more, but for garlic lovers, a little extra never hurts!

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Garlic Herb Bread Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods—not only is it flavorful and delicious, but it also warms my kitchen and heart every time I bake it. I love sharing it because it feels like a little hug in bread form. So, go ahead and give it a try—bake it for friends, family, or just for yourself. You’ll be amazed how something so simple can taste so incredible.