Rosemary Garlic Bread
This rosemary garlic bread is a fragrant, golden-crusted loaf infused with fresh rosemary, roasted garlic, and olive oil. It’s soft on the inside with a crisp, chewy crust—perfect for pairing with soups, pastas, or simply enjoying with butter. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious homemade bread full of flavor.
Ingredients
(Makes 1 Loaf)
For the Dough:
3 ½ cups (440g) bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast or instant yeast
1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (110°F/45°C)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tbsp honey (or sugar)
For the Flavoring:
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 2 tsp dried rosemary)
3 cloves roasted garlic, mashed (see roasting instructions below)
1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
½ tsp flaky sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
1. Roast the Garlic (Optional but Recommended)
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the top off a whole garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil.
3. Roast for 35-40 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool, then mash 3 cloves for the bread.
2. Prepare the Dough
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy (if using instant yeast, you can skip this step).
5. Add olive oil, salt, mashed roasted garlic, and rosemary to the yeast mixture. Stir well.
6. Gradually add flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook. Once combined, knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise (Proofing)
7. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Loaf
8. Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf.
9. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased Dutch oven.
5. Second Rise
10. Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
6. Bake the Bread
11. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
12. Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
13. Score the top with a sharp knife (optional, but helps with expansion).
14. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Cool & Serve
15. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter, olive oil, or alongside your favorite dish!
Nutritional Information
(Per Slice, ~12 Slices)
Calories: ~150 kcal
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 220mg
Fiber: 1g
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
First Rise: 1-1.5 hours
Second Rise: 30-45 minutes
Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: ~2.5 hours
Notes & Tips
For extra crunch, bake with a small pan of water in the oven to create steam.
Want a softer crust: Brush with melted butter after baking.
Use dried rosemary if fresh isn’t available, but fresh gives the best flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this bread without yeast?
Yes! You can try a quick bread version using 2 tsp baking powder instead of yeast, but the texture will be more like a biscuit than traditional bread.
2. What can I serve with rosemary garlic bread?
It pairs perfectly with soups, stews, pasta, roasted meats, or even as a sandwich bread. Also delicious with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping!
3. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes! Replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but expect a denser texture.
4. How do I get a crispy crust?
Bake on a preheated pizza stone or in a Dutch oven.Brush with water before baking for a crustier texture.Let it cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
5. Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of roasted garlic?
Yes, but roasted garlic gives a milder, sweeter flavor. If using raw minced garlic, use only 1 clove to avoid overpowering the bread.
6. Can I make this dough in advance?
Yes! Let the dough rise overnight in the fridge, then shape andbake the next day for better flavor.
This Rosemary Garlic Bread is the perfect homemade bread—aromatic, delicious, and easy to make. Enjoy fresh out of the oven or toasted with butter!