Description

This Homemade Garlic Rosemary Bread is a fragrant, soft, and crusty loaf perfect for any meal. Infused with fresh rosemary and minced garlic, this bread combines aromatic flavors with a golden, crunchy crust. Ideal for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying fresh out of the oven, this recipe provides step-by-step instructions to bake the perfect homemade loaf.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

3½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
2¼ tsp (7g) active dry yeast
1½ tsp (9g) salt

Wet Ingredients and Flavorings

1½ cups (360ml) warm water
2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Activate the yeast: Combine the warm water and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary. Stir the ingredients until a rough, shaggy dough starts to form.
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
First rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Leave it in a warm spot to rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the gas. Shape it into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone.
Second rise: Cover the loaf again with a towel and allow it to rise for an additional 30 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Score and bake: Using a sharp knife, score the top of the loaf with shallow slashes to allow it to expand during baking. Bake the bread in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to ensure the crumb sets properly.

Notes

Use warm water (about 110°F/43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
Knead the dough adequately to develop gluten, ensuring the bread has a good texture.
For extra flavor, you can brush the top of the loaf with olive oil before baking.
Use a serrated knife to slice the bread without crushing the crumb.
If you prefer a softer crust, cover the bread with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: garlic bread, rosemary bread, homemade bread, artisan bread, crusty bread, garlic rosemary loaf, baking bread