Name: Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Rustic / Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp instant yeast; 1 tsp sugar; 1 ½ tsp salt; 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F); 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra for topping); Flaky sea salt, for finishing

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If you’re searching for the kind of bread that turns your kitchen into a bakery and draws everyone to the table, Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is your answer. This golden, aromatic loaf delivers the perfect balance of crispy, chewy edges and a pillowy, fragrant middle, all thanks to a simple blend of pantry staples. Infused with fresh rosemary and garlicky richness, baked right in your trusty cast iron, and finished with a sprinkling of flaky sea salt, it’s the stuff of comfort food dreams. Whether for a cozy family dinner or impressing your friends, this loaf will quickly become your go-to bread recipe.

Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is in its simplicity, but every ingredient earns its place. Each one contributes to the loaf’s irresistible flavor and dreamy texture, so don’t skimp!

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, giving it structure while keeping the crumb tender and light.
Instant yeast: Makes the dough rise beautifully and helps create that subtle, satisfying tang in each bite.
Sugar: Just a hint to feed the yeast and bring a little subtle sweetness to balance the garlic and herbs.
Salt: Absolutely essential for flavor—don’t skip it, or your bread may taste flat.
Warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and binds everything together for a moist, workable dough.
Olive oil (plus extra for greasing): Provides richness, a golden crust, and a hint of Mediterranean flair.
Minced garlic: The star ingredient for deep, aromatic garlic flavor in every bite. Roast for extra sweetness, if you like!
Fresh rosemary (plus extra for topping): Punctuates the bread with bright, herbal fragrance and flavor.
Flaky sea salt (for finishing): Sprinkled over the top just before baking, it adds sparkle, satisfying crunch, and a boost of flavor.

How to Make Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by combining the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Giving these ingredients a quick whisk helps ensure an even rise and a flavorful crumb. This foundation sets the stage for all those delicious flavors to shine.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients and Mix the Dough

Pour the warm water and one tablespoon of olive oil into the center of your dry ingredients. Using a sturdy spatula or your hands, mix until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy at first! The real magic happens during kneading.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic

Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes, pushing and folding until you feel the dough becoming smooth and elastic. This step develops the gluten, which is key for that chewy-yet-airy texture that makes Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread so special.

Step 4: First Rise

Place your perfect ball of dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise somewhere warm for about an hour. When it’s doubled in size, you’ll know the yeast is working its magic.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Rosemary

Punch down your risen dough and fold in the minced garlic and chopped rosemary. If you really want to wow everyone, try roasting the garlic beforehand for an even deeper flavor that’ll practically melt into the bread.

Step 6: Shape and Second Rise in the Skillet

Coat your cast iron skillet generously with olive oil, then stretch and press the dough into the pan so it reaches the edges. Cover again for a second, quicker rise—about 30 minutes—so your loaf gets extra fluffy.

Step 7: Top and Bake

Brush the top of the dough with the remaining olive oil, sprinkle with extra rosemary, and finish with a shower of flaky sea salt. Pop the skillet into a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until your bread is deeply golden and smells absolutely heavenly.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once your Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread emerges from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the crumb set and makes it easier to cut perfect wedges. Serve it warm and prepare for some serious swooning.

How to Serve Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

Garnishes

To really make the flavors sing, garnish each thick slice with a fresh sprinkle of chopped rosemary or another pinch of flaky salt right before serving. A quick drizzle of good olive oil over the warm bread takes things over the top – think bakery-style with a homemade twist.

Side Dishes

This bread is an all-star companion for cozy soups (like creamy tomato or classic minestrone), hearty stews, and all kinds of pasta dishes. Try serving Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread alongside a simple green salad for a lunch that’s both rustic and elegant—or make it the star at a family-style dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive appetizer, slice the loaf, grill each piece lightly, and use as the base for bruschetta. Or, cut wedges and arrange them around a bowl of warm, herby olive oil or a soft cheese spread. This bread’s rustic good looks make every table setting feel special, no matter how you serve it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is just as delicious the next day. Simply store any pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to make it last, slice first so you can grab a piece whenever the craving strikes.

Freezing

If you want to save some for a rainy day (or just love bread emergencies), let the loaf cool completely, then wrap in plastic wrap and tuck it into a freezer bag. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to two months—and the aroma when you reheat it is almost as good as baking it fresh.

Reheating

To refresh Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread, just pop slices into a preheated oven or right back into the dry skillet over medium-low heat. This revives the crispy edges and warms the tender crumb, making it taste like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Absolutely! While fresh rosemary gives the brightest flavor, you can substitute with about half the amount of dried rosemary if that’s what you have. Just be sure to crumble it between your fingers before adding to release more of its aroma.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

No worries! Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is very flexible—use any heavy oven-safe pan, or even a round cake pan. You may need to adjust baking time slightly, so keep an eye on the color of the crust.

Can I make this bread ahead for a party?

Definitely! Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread can be baked earlier in the day. Reheat it for a few minutes in a hot oven or skillet just before serving, and it’ll taste freshly baked.

Is it possible to add cheese to this bread?

Yes! Mixing in a small handful of grated parmesan or sharp cheddar with the garlic and rosemary gives your bread a savory upgrade. Top with extra cheese before baking for a beautiful, bubbly crust.

What’s the best way to serve this bread for a crowd?

For parties, cut Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread into bite-sized squares or small wedges, arrange on a platter, and serve with little bowls of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or whipped herb butter for dipping.

Final Thoughts

If you love the idea of filling your home with the scent of homemade bread and sharing something truly special with your favorite people, you’ve got to give Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread a try. After one bite of that golden, fragrant loaf, you’ll see why it deserves a regular spot at your table.