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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients (flour, salt, instant yeast) in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blending to ensure even distribution of components.
- Pour warm water into the dry mixture, stirring until a rough, sticky dough emerges with a cohesive texture.
- Incorporate finely chopped rosemary and minced garlic, gently folding to create a uniform herb-infused dough.
- 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.
- Prepare the oven by heating to 450°F (230°C) and positioning a Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot inside during preheating.
- Dust a clean work surface with flour, delicately transferring the risen dough and shaping into a gentle round without excessive manipulation.
- Transfer the dough into the scorching hot Dutch oven, covering with the lid and baking for precisely 30 minutes.
- 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.
- 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