If you’ve ever craved a loaf of bread that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and tastes just like a warm hug, this Rosemary Garlic Bread Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a crusty artisan-style bread infused deeply with fresh rosemary and sweet roasted garlic, giving every bite a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Crisp on the outside yet pillow-soft and fragrant inside, this homemade loaf elevates any sandwich, pairs beautifully with a cozy soup, or simply stands out on its own. You’re about to make a bread so tempting, your friends will wonder if you secretly hired a professional baker.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s fantastic about this Rosemary Garlic Bread Recipe is how simple the ingredient list is—just a handful of staples that come together to create something spectacular. Each element plays a crucial role, from the chewiness of the bread flour to the herbal freshness of rosemary and the rich umami from roasted garlic.
- 3 cups bread flour: Essential for that chewy texture and sturdy crumb that holds up to baking beautifully.
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast: Your secret to a perfectly risen loaf with lightness and lift.
- 1 ½ cups warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough for softness.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds moistness, richness, and a subtle Mediterranean flavor.
- 2 tsp salt: Intensifies flavor and balances all other ingredients.
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped: Infuses the loaf with that characteristic piney, fragrant herbal note.
- 3 cloves roasted garlic, mashed: Provides a gentle, caramelized sweetness that permeates every slice.
How to Make Rosemary Garlic Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast Blend
Start by combining the warm water, instant yeast, and olive oil in a large bowl. Give it a gentle stir and let this magical mixture sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice it become slightly frothy—that’s the sign your yeast is alive and ready to make your dough wonderfully airy.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Into the yeast mixture, add the bread flour, salt, fresh rosemary, and mashed roasted garlic. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix everything together until it starts to come together into a shaggy dough. This combination infuses the dough with flavor from the very start, allowing herbs and garlic to mingle throughout the bread’s structure.
Step 3: Knead the Dough to Perfection
Turn your dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step develops the gluten, giving your bread its signature chew and structure. The dough should become smooth and elastic — soft but not too sticky. This tactile moment is where the magic truly begins.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the kneaded dough back into the bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. You’ll know the dough is ready when it doubles in size. This rise ensures the loaf is beautifully soft and airy inside.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release excess air and form it into a round loaf shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it loosely and give it another 30 minutes to rise. This second rest ensures a perfect crumb and that lovely spring when baked.
Step 6: Bake and Enjoy
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Just before baking, for a touch of extra flavor and crunch, brush the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle sea salt over the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is a glorious golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing into your irresistible Rosemary Garlic Bread Recipe.
How to Serve Rosemary Garlic Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sometimes, simplicity wins. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right out of the oven highlights the rosemary and garlic delicately. For a festive touch, fresh rosemary sprigs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top add a bit of elegance and extra flavor.
Side Dishes
This bread shines alongside hearty tomato soups, velvety butternut squash, or roasted vegetable stews. It’s a star partner to any dipping oil mixed with herbs or balsamic reduction. Pairing it with your favorite cheese board also makes for an unexpectedly delightful snack or appetizer.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the Rosemary Garlic Bread Recipe thickly and toast it as a base for bruschetta piled with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. Turn it into garlic croutons by cubing and toasting with extra olive oil and herbs, perfect for salads or soups. You can also slice it horizontally and use it for Mediterranean-style sandwiches filled with roasted veggies and hummus.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. Stored at room temperature, it will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating your bread as it can dry out crumb and crust quickly.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Rosemary Garlic Bread Recipe later, slice it first, then freeze in a resealable bag with parchment paper between slices. This way, you can take out only what you need without defrosting the whole loaf. It’s perfect for making quick garlic toast anytime.
Reheating
Reheat your bread by either toasting slices in a toaster or warming the whole loaf in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. For a fresh-baked feel, mist lightly with water before reheating to help soften the crust and restore moisture.
FAQs
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Definitely! Use about one-third of the amount called for fresh rosemary since dried herbs are more concentrated. Add it along with the flour and other dry ingredients for even flavor distribution.
How do I roast garlic at home?
Roasting garlic is super easy: cut the top off a garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake in a 400°F oven for 30-40 minutes until soft and caramelized. Once cooled, mash the cloves to add into your bread dough.
Is this bread vegan-friendly?
Yes! This Rosemary Garlic Bread Recipe contains no animal products, making it a perfect vegan choice that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Can I substitute all-purpose flour for bread flour?
You can, but the texture will be slightly different. Bread flour has higher protein, which creates more gluten for that chewy texture. All-purpose flour will still work, just expect a softer crumb.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread is done when the crust becomes a deep golden brown, and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Using a thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 190-200°F for perfect doneness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking your own bread, especially when it tastes as heavenly as this Rosemary Garlic Bread Recipe. With just a little patience and simple ingredients, you can create a loaf that brings warmth and delicious aroma to your home. Go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple at your table.
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Rosemary Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A fragrant artisan-style loaf infused with fresh rosemary and roasted garlic, offering a delightful contrast of a crisp crust and a soft, flavorful interior, perfect for sandwiches or dipping in soup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 3 cloves roasted garlic, mashed
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, instant yeast, and olive oil. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the yeast to activate and become foamy.
- Mix and Knead Dough: Add bread flour, salt, chopped fresh rosemary, and mashed roasted garlic to the yeast mixture. Mix together until a dough forms, then knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape Loaf: After the first rise, punch down the dough to release air bubbles. Shape it into a round loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover and let the shaped loaf rise again for 30 minutes to develop its airy texture.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp, and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped underneath.
Notes
- For extra flavor and a shiny crust, brush the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle sea salt on top just before baking.
- This bread is excellent for sandwiches or as a dipping bread for soups and stews.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
