There’s nothing quite like baking with herbs straight from the garden. As spring arrives in Missouri, fresh herbs begin to flourish, bringing bright flavors and wonderful aromas to the kitchen. If you’re looking for an easy way to use them, this herb bread recipe featuring chives, parsley, and thyme is a perfect place to start.

This savory loaf is soft, fragrant, and packed with fresh flavor. It pairs beautifully with soups, spring salads, roasted vegetables, or simply toasted with butter. It’s also a great introduction to baking with garden herbs in Missouri, where spring herbs thrive in backyard gardens and kitchen containers.

Even better—fresh herbs are now available at Colonial Farms, making it easy to bring home everything you need to bake this seasonal favorite.

Why Bake with Fresh Garden Herbs?

Fresh herbs add a brightness that dried herbs simply can’t match. Chives bring a mild onion flavor, parsley adds freshness and color, and thyme offers an earthy depth that ties everything together.

When you’re baking with garden herbs, you get:

• Brighter flavor
• More aroma while baking
• A beautiful green flecked loaf
• A great way to use herbs before they overgrow in spring

In Missouri gardens, herbs like chives, parsley, and thyme are among the first plants to flourish in early spring, making them perfect for seasonal recipes like this one.

Fresh Herb Bread with Chives & Parsley

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar
• ¼ cup fresh chives, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• Optional: ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm water, honey, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix the dough
Add olive oil, salt, and flour. Stir until a dough begins to form.

3. Add the herbs
Fold in the chopped chives, parsley, and thyme until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

4. Knead
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

5. First rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

6. Shape and second rise
Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.

7. Bake
Bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes, until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

8. Cool and enjoy
Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter or olive oil.

Tips for Baking with Garden Herbs

• Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best flavor.
• Chop herbs finely so they distribute evenly in the dough.
• Add a sprinkle of flaky salt on top before baking for extra flavor.
• Try experimenting with other herbs like rosemary or basil as your garden grows.

Find Fresh Herbs at Colonial Farms

Ready to try this recipe? Fresh herbs are now available at Colonial Farms, including chives, parsley, thyme, and more. Whether you’re planting your own herb garden or cooking with freshly harvested herbs, our garden center has everything you need to get started this spring.

Stop by to pick up herbs, gardening supplies, and inspiration for your next seasonal recipe.