Last Updated November 10, 2025 – Originally Published August 17, 2012

This recipe calls for Herbes de Provence. Not familiar with this fancy-sounding herb blend?  It’s a mixture of savory, fennel, basil, thyme, lavender flowers and other herbs.  You’ll probably be able to find it at your local grocery store.

French herb bread is yummy toasted and slathered with cream cheese.  It’s also great for sandwiches!  We used the bread to make some great sandwiches with leftover pork roast.

FAQ for This Recipe

• Wondering about the difference between active dry yeast, instant yeast, bread machine yeast and quick rise yeast?  I’ve got an article that explains the differences between different yeast types and how to switch between types of yeast.  
• Bread machines come in different sizes. Check out my article on how to convert recipes for differently sized bread machines. 
• Learn about the differences between all-purpose flour and bread flour.  

French Herb Bread Recipe

This makes a two pound loaf. Use the basic or white setting with medium crust.

2/3 C. Water
3/4 C. Milk
1 Egg, beaten
4 C. Bread Flour
2/3 C. Potato Flakes
4 teaspoons Sugar
1  teaspoon Salt
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Herbes de Provence
1 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

This makes a two pound loaf. Follow the instructions that came with your bread machine in terms of which ingredients to put in the bread machine first. 

Be sure to check on the dough after five or ten minutes of kneading.  It should be a smooth, round ball.  If the dough is too dry add liquid a teaspoon at a time until it looks right.  If it looks too wet, add flour a tablespoon at a time.

I used the basic cycle.