Rosemary Garlic Artisan Bread

🌿 Rosemary Garlic Artisan Bread

📖 Description

This beautiful loaf is a rustic, crusty artisan bread infused with fragrant rosemary and roasted garlic flavors. It has a golden, crackly crust on the outside and a soft, airy, chewy interior on the inside. Perfect as a side with soups, salads, or simply enjoyed warm with butter or olive oil. The herbs baked into the top give it a bakery-style look and irresistible aroma.

🧾 Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3–4 garlic cloves (minced or roasted)
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (plus extra for topping)
• ½ tsp black pepper (optional)
• Coarse salt (for topping)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Activate Yeast
   In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make Dough
   Add flour, salt, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and black pepper. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead
   Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use a stand mixer).
4. First Rise
   Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
5. Shape
   Punch down dough and shape into an oval or round loaf. Place on parchment paper.
6. Second Rise
   Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
7. Top & Score
   Brush with olive oil, sprinkle rosemary and coarse salt, and lightly score the top.
8. Bake
   Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
9. Cool & Serve
   Let cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm!

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, use about 1 teaspoon dried rosemary instead of fresh.

Q2: Why is my bread dense?
It could be due to under-proofing or too much flour. Make sure the dough is slightly sticky and rises properly.

Q3: Can I make this without kneading?
Yes, you can let the dough rest longer (8–12 hours) for a no-knead version.

Q4: How do I store this bread?
Keep it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Q5: Can I add cheese?
Absolutely! Adding shredded mozzarella or parmesan makes it even richer and more flavorful.