Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Alchemy Cafe›Bread And Spread Recipe

Bread And Spread Recipe

Inspired by Alchemy Cafe
Time2h 30m
Serves6

CHANGES FREQUENTLY, SEE CHALKBOARD OR ASK SERVER

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Ingredients

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House Bread

Seasonal Spread (Herb & Citrus Butter)

Optional Finishes

Method

House Bread

  1. 1

    Bloom yeast

    In a small bowl combine warm water (about 105–115°F / 40–46°C) with the sugar and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

  2. 2

    Combine dry ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour and kosher salt.

  3. 3

    Mix dough

    Make a well in the flour and pour in the foamy yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

  4. 4

    Knead

    Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead in a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5–6 minutes.

  5. 5

    First rise

    Lightly oil a clean bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled, about 60–90 minutes.

  6. 6

    Shape and second rise

    Gently deflate the dough, shape into a round boule or an oblong loaf and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again until puffy, about 30–45 minutes.

  7. 7

    Bake

    Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) with a rack in the lower third. Optionally place a shallow pan on the bottom rack. Slash the top of the loaf once or twice with a sharp knife. If using the pan, add 1 cup hot water to it just before sliding the bread in to create steam. Bake 20–25 minutes until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Internal temperature should be about 200–205°F (93–96°C).

  8. 8

    Cool

    Transfer the bread to a wire rack and cool at least 20 minutes before slicing to allow crumb to set.

Seasonal Spread (Herb & Citrus Butter)

  1. 9

    Prepare ingredients

    While the bread is rising or cooling, finely chop the parsley and chives. Zest the lemon and mince the garlic.

  2. 10

    Mix butter

    In a medium bowl combine the softened butter with chopped parsley, chives, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt and black pepper. Use a fork to mash and blend until smooth and homogenous.

  3. 11

    Adjust and finish

    Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (add more salt, pepper or lemon zest). Stir in 1 teaspoon olive oil for a silkier texture if desired. Transfer to a small serving dish and refrigerate briefly if it needs to firm up, or leave at room temperature to spread easily.

  4. 12

    Optional finishes

    Just before serving, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt and/or red pepper flakes over the butter for contrast.

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