Irresistible Artisan Rosemary and Garlic Crusty Bread Recipe

Crafting an irresistible artisan rosemary and garlic crusty bread reveals the magic of home baking.

Rustic loaves speak volumes about culinary passion and skill.

Fragrant herbs and pungent garlic dance together in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Kitchen counters become artistic spaces where flour, water, and love merge into golden-crusted perfection.

Salt crystals and fresh rosemary sprigs add depth to every delectable slice.

Kneading dough connects you to centuries-old baking traditions that transcend generations.

Warm, crusty bread promises comfort and joy with each heavenly bite.

Ingredient Musts for That Bold Crusty Loaf

• Flour: The primary structure and foundation of the bread.
• Water: Essential liquid that hydrates and activates the ingredients.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast fermentation.
• Instant Yeast: Critical for bread rising and developing texture.

• Rosemary, Garlic: Provides aromatic and savory notes to the bread.

• Olive Oil: Adds a glossy finish and subtle richness to the bread crust.

How to Make Artisan Bread That Impresses

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine flour, salt, and instant yeast. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

Pour warm water into the dry ingredients and blend until a shaggy, sticky dough emerges. Don’t worry about perfect texture – a slightly messy dough is exactly what you want.

Step 3: Infuse Herbal Flavors

• Chopped rosemary
• Minced garlic

Ensure these aromatic elements are evenly spread throughout the dough for maximum flavor impact.

Step 4: Allow Dough to Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.

Let the dough rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours. Watch for it to double in size and develop bubbles, signaling fermentation magic is happening.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Setup

Heat your oven to 450°F. Place a Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot (including its lid) inside while preheating to create a perfect baking environment.

Step 6: Shape the Loaf

Sprinkle flour on your work surface. Gently transfer the dough and shape it into a round ball.

Be careful not to overwork the delicate mixture.

Step 7: Initial Baking Phase

Carefully remove the scorching hot Dutch oven.

Transfer the dough inside, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 8: Finish with a Golden Crust

Remove the lid and continue baking for 15-20 minutes.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown exterior that promises crispy, delectable results.

Step 9: Cool and Finish

Transfer the bread to a wire rack.

For an extra touch of brilliance, brush the crust with olive oil, creating a glossy, appetizing finish that’ll make mouths water.

Tips to Nail That Savory Herb Bread Finish

• Ensure water temperature is lukewarm (around 110°F) to activate yeast without killing it, creating perfect bread rise.
• Use fresh rosemary and crushed garlic for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic profile in the bread.
• Allow dough to rest and rise in a draft-free area with consistent room temperature for optimal fermentation and texture.
• Parchment paper can help transfer dough into hot Dutch oven safely and prevent sticking during baking process.
• Store bread in airtight container or wrapped in cloth to maintain crispness and prevent moisture buildup, keeping crust crunchy for 2-3 days.

Tweak Your Loaf With Flavorful New Spins

• Mediterranean Olive Explosion: Add 1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives and dried oregano to the dough for a tangy, herb-packed Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Parmesan Pepper Kick: Mix in 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper for a savory, spicy bread with rich cheese undertones.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Herb: Incorporate 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to create a vibrant, Italian-inspired bread with bright, concentrated tomato flavor.
• Jalapeño Cheddar Crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and finely diced jalapeños for a spicy, cheesy bread with a southwestern spin.

What Complements Rosemary Garlic Bread Best

• Savor Herbal Wine Pairing: A crisp, herbaceous white wine like Sauvignon Blanc beautifully complements the rosemary and garlic notes, enhancing the bread's aromatic profile.
• Cheese Companion Delight: Creamy goat cheese or a tangy blue cheese creates a delightful contrast with the bread's rustic texture, offering a rich and complex flavor experience.
• Mediterranean Dipping Adventure: Extra virgin olive oil infused with balsamic vinegar provides a traditional Mediterranean-style dipping sauce that elevates the bread's herbal undertones.
• Protein Perfect Match: Prosciutto or salami paired with this artisan bread creates a delectable charcuterie board experience, balancing the bread's robust herbal flavors with savory cured meats.

How to Store Crusty Bread Without Losing Crunch

• Refrigerator Storage: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
• Freezer Preservation: Slice the bread before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap each slice or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Room Temperature Keeping: Store the bread in a paper bag or bread box at room temperature for 1-2 days. Avoid plastic bags, which can make the crust soggy and trap moisture.
• Reheating Techniques: Revive the bread's crispy crust by warming in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs About This Flavor-Packed Herb Bread

• Why do I need to let the dough rise for such a long time?

The long fermentation develops deep, complex flavors and creates air pockets that give the bread its signature artisan texture. It also helps develop gluten structure, making the bread more flavorful and easier to digest.

• Can I substitute fresh rosemary with dried rosemary?

Yes, but use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh rosemary provides a brighter flavor, but dried will still add a nice herbal note to the bread.

• What if my dough doesn't look perfect when I shape it?

Don’t worry! Artisan bread is meant to look rustic and imperfect. The beauty of this recipe is that slight irregularities contribute to its handmade charm and won’t affect the final taste or texture.

Why This Rosemary Garlic Bread Smells Like Heaven

• Craft an Aromatic Masterpiece: Transform simple ingredients into a fragrant, herb-infused bread that fills your kitchen with irresistible rosemary and garlic scents.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Create a professional-looking artisan bread with just a few basic ingredients and minimal hands-on preparation, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Elevate any meal with this stunning bread that works beautifully as a standalone side, sandwich base, or accompaniment to soups, salads, and main courses.
• No-Knead Convenience: Enjoy a hands-off baking experience where the dough develops rich flavors during a long, slow rise, requiring minimal intervention from the baker.

Artisan Rosemary and Garlic Crusty Bread Recipe

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• Total Time: 12-18 hours and 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rosemary and garlic crusty bread brings rustic Italian countryside charm to kitchen counters with minimal effort. Warm, fragrant slices invite bread enthusiasts to savor each crusty, herb-infused bite alongside soups, salads, or simply spread with creamy butter.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 1/4 cups (400g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (350ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Leavening:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast

Finishing Ingredient:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

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Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients (flour, salt, instant yeast) in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blending to ensure even distribution of components.
2. Pour warm water into the dry mixture, stirring until a rough, sticky dough emerges with a cohesive texture.
3. Incorporate finely chopped rosemary and minced garlic, gently folding to create a uniform herb-infused dough.
4. Shield the bowl with plastic wrap or kitchen towel, allowing the dough to ferment and expand at room temperature for 12-18 hours until significantly increased in volume and displaying bubbling surface.
5. Prepare the oven by heating to 450°F (230°C) and positioning a Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot inside during preheating.
6. Dust a clean work surface with flour, delicately transferring the risen dough and shaping into a gentle round without excessive manipulation.
7. Transfer the dough into the scorching hot Dutch oven, covering with the lid and baking for precisely 30 minutes.
8. Uncover the Dutch oven and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the exterior develops a rich, golden-brown crust with a crisp exterior.
9. Extract the bread carefully, transferring to a wire cooling rack and optionally brushing the surface with olive oil for a luxurious, glossy finish.

Notes

• Swap instant yeast with active dry yeast by dissolving it in warm water first and adding a bit more rising time.
• For gluten-free version, use a blend of gluten-free flour and add xanthan gum to help bind the dough.
• Enhance flavor complexity by roasting garlic beforehand, which mellows its sharpness and adds deeper, caramelized notes.
• Prevent dense bread by ensuring water temperature is precisely lukewarm (around 110°F) to activate yeast without killing it.

• Prep Time: 12-18 hours
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 0.2g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Fat: 1.5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg