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Crispy Garlic Rosemary Bread

crispy garlic rosemary bread - featured image

A rustic homemade loaf featuring a crispy crust and aromatic garlic-rosemary flavor, perfect for cozy dinners, brunch, or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp or 7g) active dry yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and finely minced
  • 1 ½ tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped finely
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for roasting garlic and rosemary)
  • Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
  • Extra rosemary sprigs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm water (1 ¼ cups/300ml, about 110°F/43°C) and sugar (1 tsp) in a small bowl. Sprinkle yeast (2 ¼ tsp) on top and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a small pan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and chopped rosemary. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour (3 ½ cups/440g) and salt (2 tsp). Pour in the activated yeast mixture and garlic-rosemary oil. Stir until dough starts to come together.
  4. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour sparingly if sticky.
  5. Lightly oil a mixing bowl, place dough inside, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down dough gently to release air bubbles. Shape into a rustic round loaf by folding edges inward and sealing the bottom.
  7. Place shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet or cast iron skillet. Cover loosely and let rest for 30-45 minutes until puffed.
  8. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) about 20 minutes before baking. Place an empty oven-safe dish on the bottom rack for steam.
  9. Score the loaf with 2-3 shallow slashes using a sharp serrated knife.
  10. Pour a cup of hot water into the oven-safe dish to create steam and quickly close the oven door.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crust is deep golden and crispy. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  12. Transfer bread to a wire rack and cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

Gently roast garlic in olive oil to mellow flavor. Use fresh rosemary for best aroma. Create steam in oven for crispy crust. Let bread cool completely before slicing to avoid gummy crumb. Tent with foil if crust browns too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic bread, rosemary bread, homemade bread, rustic bread, crispy crust, easy bread recipe, garlic rosemary loaf