Here’s a complete, detailed recipe for Rustic Rosemary Garlic Bread—crispy on the outside, soft and aromatic inside, perfect as a side or appetizer.
Rustic Rosemary Garlic Bread
Description
Rustic rosemary garlic bread is a fragrant, artisan-style loaf infused with fresh rosemary and roasted garlic. It has a golden, crusty exterior and a soft, airy crumb. This bread pairs beautifully with soups, pasta, or can be enjoyed on its own with butter or olive oil.
Time Required
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (about 43°C / 110°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil
For Flavor:
4–5 garlic cloves (minced or roasted)
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
(or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)
Optional Topping:
1 tablespoon olive oil
Pinch of coarse salt
Extra rosemary for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Activate Yeast
In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Add flour, salt, olive oil, garlic, and rosemary to the yeast mixture.
Mix until a dough forms.
Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl.
Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.
Let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Bread
Punch down the dough.
Shape into a round loaf or oval rustic shape.
Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover and let it rest for another 20–30 minutes.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle salt/rosemary.
Score the top with a knife.
Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm with or dips.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice)
Calories: 150–180
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 3–4g
Fiber: 1–2g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Skip the activation step and mix it directly with the flour.
2. How do I roast garlic for flavor?
Wrap garlic cloves in foil with a little olive oil and roast at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes until soft and sweet.
3. Can I make this bread without rosemary?
Absolutely. You can substitute with thyme, oregano, or mixed herbs.
4. Why didn’t my bread rise properly?
Possible reasons:
Yeast was expired
Water was too hot (killed yeast)
Dough wasn’t kept in a warm place
5. How do I store leftover bread?
Keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 days
Refrigerate for up to 5 days
Freeze for up to 1 month
6. How do I get a crusty bakery-style crust?
Place a small tray of water in the oven while baking to create steam—this gives a crisp crust.
7. Can I make it without kneading?