Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting bread recipe that fills your home with an irresistible aroma, then this Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread is just what you need! There’s something magical about the combination of fragrant rosemary and sweet roasted garlic. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to impress your family or for those special gatherings with friends. Every bite is a warm hug, and trust me, once you make this bread, it will become a staple in your kitchen.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a master baker to whip up this delightful loaf. The best part? It requires no kneading! Just mix the ingredients and let time work its magic. This artisan bread is sure to elevate any meal, whether it’s served alongside soup, enjoyed with olive oil for dipping, or simply savored on its own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: No kneading means less mess and more time to relax.
• Amazing Flavor: The combination of rosemary and roasted garlic creates a delightful aroma and taste that everyone will love.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: With a simple cold proofing step, you can prepare the dough in advance and bake it when you’re ready.
• Versatile: This bread pairs beautifully with various dishes or can be enjoyed as a snack!
• Impressive Presentation: Crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, this bread looks as good as it tastes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delicious Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store!

• 1 head garlic
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1½ cups water, room temperature (at or near 70°F/21°C)
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 3 cups bread or all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt or fine sea salt
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped rosemary (plus more to sprinkle across the top)
• 1 whole head roasted garlic (smashed)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to experiment with flavors or add your favorite ingredients.

• Add Other Herbs: Mix in thyme or basil for an extra layer of flavor.
• Cheesy Delight: Incorporate shredded cheese like mozzarella or parmesan into the dough for a cheesy twist.
• Nutty Texture: Add chopped nuts like walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat in your bread.

How to Make Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Slice the garlic head in half, drizzle it with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap it in foil and roast at 400ºF (204ºC) for about 40 minutes. This step caramelizes the garlic, bringing out its sweetness which will enhance the flavor of your bread.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Once your garlic has cooled down, it’s time to get your yeast going! Sprinkle the yeast over room temperature water and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This shows that your yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together flour, oregano, salt, and rosemary. These dry ingredients build the foundation of flavor in your bread. It’s important to ensure they’re combined well so that every bite is delicious!

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Add the yeast mixture along with the roasted garlic (smashed) and olive oil into your dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to mix until just combined; it’s okay if there are still some dry bits around the edges. This sticky dough is what will create that lovely texture after baking.

Step 5: Let It Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and place it somewhere warm. Let it rise until doubled in size—this usually takes about 8-10 hours. The long rise develops flavors and creates air pockets for that lovely crusty exterior.

Step 6: Shape Your Dough

After rising, gently pull out the dough onto a floured surface using floured hands. Fold it into itself several times until you have a nice round shape. Place seam side up in a floured basket or bowl. Dust lightly with flour before covering and refrigerating overnight—or up to two days if needed.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 450ºF (232ºC) with your Dutch oven inside. This ensures that when you put your dough into the pot, it starts baking immediately—creating that beautiful crust we all love.

Step 8: Prepare Dough for Baking

Take out your dough from refrigeration and gently invert it onto parchment paper seam side down. If needed, shape it slightly into a loaf form using your hands. Score the top with a sharp knife—this allows steam to escape while baking.

Step 9: Bake Your Bread

Carefully transfer your dough on parchment into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for about 30 minutes before uncovering for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when tapping on top sounds hollow—just like all great artisan breads should!

Step 10: Cool Before Slicing

Using parchment edges, lift out the bread from the Dutch oven onto a wire cooling rack. Allow cooling for up to an hour before slicing—it may be tempting but letting it cool helps set that perfect texture!

And there you have it—a homemade Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every slice!

Pro Tips for Making Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread

Baking artisan bread might seem daunting, but with a few helpful tips, you’ll be on your way to creating beautiful loaves that will impress everyone!

• Use fresh herbs – Fresh rosemary makes a world of difference in flavor compared to dried. It enhances the aroma and adds a vibrant taste that complements the roasted garlic beautifully.

• Monitor dough consistency – The dough should feel slightly sticky and stringy. If it’s too dry, your bread may not rise properly. Adjust by adding small amounts of water or flour as needed to achieve the right texture.

• Cold proofing is key – Allowing your dough to cold proof in the refrigerator develops deeper flavors and improves the texture. This extra time gives the yeast more opportunity to work its magic!

• Preheat your Dutch oven – A hot Dutch oven creates steam that helps develop a crusty exterior while keeping the inside moist and chewy. This step is crucial for achieving that artisan look!

• Let it cool before slicing – While it’s tempting to dig in right away, allowing your bread to cool for at least an hour ensures that the crumb sets properly and enhances the flavor.

How to Serve Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread

This fragrant Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread is not only delicious on its own but also versatile when paired with other dishes. Here are some delightful ways to serve it!

Garnishes

• Olive oil and balsamic vinegar – A simple drizzle of quality extra-virgin olive oil combined with balsamic vinegar creates a perfect dipping sauce that enhances the herbaceous notes of the bread.

• Flaky sea salt – Sprinkling flaky sea salt over the top just before baking adds an extra layer of flavor and texture, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Side Dishes

• Savory soup – Pair your artisan bread with a warm bowl of minestrone or tomato basil soup for a comforting meal. The hearty flavors complement each other wonderfully.

• Green salad – A light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the bread. The acidity from the dressing balances out the savory notes.

• Cheese platter – Serve alongside a cheese platter featuring creamy goat cheese or tangy feta. The creaminess enhances every bite, creating a gourmet experience.

• Roasted vegetables – Add some roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots for a colorful and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with your warm, crusty loaf.

Enjoy baking and serving this delightful bread; it’s sure to become a favorite at your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy its deliciousness throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container.

Freezing

• Allow the bread to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For best results, slice the bread before freezing so you can easily thaw only what you need.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the bread directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can toast slices in a toaster or on a skillet for a crispy finish.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

Can I use fresh rosemary instead of dried in Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread?

Absolutely! Fresh rosemary will add an even more vibrant flavor to your bread. Just use about three times as much fresh rosemary as dried.

How do I ensure my Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread rises properly?

Make sure your yeast is active by checking its expiration date. Also, allow the dough to rise in a warm environment free from drafts. A covered bowl placed near a warm oven works well!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and flavor. However, keep an eye on hydration as whole wheat flour absorbs more water.

How long does Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread last?

When stored properly at room temperature, this bread lasts about 3 days. If frozen, it can last up to 3 months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy baking this delightful Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread! Its crusty exterior and chewy interior make it a fantastic addition to any meal or simply enjoyed on its own. Remember, every loaf is an opportunity for creativity—feel free to experiment with herbs or spices that you love! Happy baking, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of homemade bread!