Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread Recipe

If you’re craving a bread that’s bursting with herbal aroma and rich, mellow garlic flavor, look no further than this Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of rustic charm and gourmet taste, featuring a perfectly crusty exterior and a soft, flavorful crumb within. Each bite brings a warm, inviting complexity from the roasted garlic and fresh rosemary that can transform any meal or simply stand on its own as the star. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers an irresistible loaf that feels both special and wonderfully homemade.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread Recipe, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance that will have everyone asking for more.

• 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure and chewiness.
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise and become airy.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances flavors and feeds the yeast for a lively rise.
• 2 teaspoons salt: Enhances the overall flavor and controls yeast activity.
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C): Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough.
• 1 whole head of garlic: Roasted to unlock a sweet, mellow garlic essence.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and moisture to the bread.
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped: Infuses fresh, fragrant herbal notes.
• Additional rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional): For that elegant final touch and extra aroma.

How to Make Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle a little olive oil over it, then wrap it up in foil. Roast for about 30-35 minutes until the garlic softens beautifully and caramelizes. This slow roasting transforms the garlic’s sharpness into a tender, sweet puree that will make your bread unforgettable. Once cooled, squeeze out the cloves and mash them smoothly in a bowl.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mixing these dry components thoroughly ensures an even rise and a well-balanced taste. This step lays the groundwork for your artisan masterpiece.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate container, whisk together the warm water with the mashed roasted garlic and olive oil. This liquid mixture brings moisture, flavor, and richness to your dough, setting it apart from ordinary bread.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a rough, shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry about it being perfect at this point; the charm of artisan bread lies in its rustic texture.

Step 5: Add the Rosemary

Gently fold the chopped fresh rosemary into the dough. This ensures that the rosemary’s piney, fresh aroma is evenly spread throughout every bite, giving your bread a fragrant herbal lift.

Step 6: Knead the Dough

Turn your dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This kneading develops the gluten network, which gives your bread its chewy, satisfying texture.

Step 7: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour or until it doubles in size. This rise is vital for creating that airy crumb that artisan bread is famous for.

Step 8: Shape the Loaf

Punch down the risen dough to release trapped air and transfer it to a floured surface. Shape it gently into a round loaf, embracing the rustic look that makes artisan bread so charming.

Step 9: Second Rise

Place your shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover again with a damp cloth and allow it to rise for another 30 minutes. This final rise gives the loaf its signature lightness and volume.

Step 10: Prepare the Oven and Score the Bread

While your dough undergoes its second rise, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Once risen, score the top of your loaf with shallow cuts using a sharp knife or bread lame. These cuts help steam escape and create that beautiful, rustic crackle on the crust.

Step 11: Bake

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the loaf is a stunning golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped underneath. The aroma of rosemary and roasted garlic will fill your kitchen, promising the feast to come.

Step 12: Cool Before Slicing

Remove your masterpiece from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling prevents your bread from turning gummy and allows the crumb to set perfectly for optimal slicing.

How to Serve Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread Recipe

Garnishes

To bring a bit of extra charm to your presentation, sprinkle some fresh rosemary sprigs on top of your sliced bread or brush with a little olive oil to enhance the glossy crust. These simple touches elevate your bread from everyday to artisan delight.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with hearty soups, robust stews, or even a vibrant salad. It’s also perfect alongside cheeses and olives for a casual snack or appetizer that wows guests with its fragrant and savory notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread Recipe thick and toast lightly before serving with whipped herb butter, roasted tomato bruschetta, or a luscious olive tapenade. These creative twists highlight the bread’s flavor and invite your guests to savor each bite with enthusiasm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil to preserve its freshness. Stored at room temperature, it’s best eaten within two days to enjoy that perfect crust and softness inside.

Freezing

If you want to save your bread for longer, slice it first and freeze the slices in a sealed bag or container. This way, you can thaw only what you need, maintaining that fresh-baked charm whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to life, pop slices into a toaster or warm the whole loaf in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This revives the crusty exterior and soft, herby interior beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

While fresh rosemary gives the best aroma and flavor, dried rosemary can be used in a pinch—just reduce the amount to about one teaspoon to avoid overpowering the bread.

Is it necessary to roast the garlic?

Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and adds a lovely sweetness that infuses the bread deeply. Using raw garlic will give a very different, more pungent flavor, so roasting is highly recommended for this recipe.

Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

This recipe is designed for hand-kneading and oven baking to achieve that artisan crust. A bread machine might not deliver the same crust or texture, but you can use it for mixing and kneading if you’re short on time.

How long does the dough take to rise?

The first rise generally takes about one hour or until the dough doubles in size. The second rise is shorter, around 30 minutes. Both are crucial for developing flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to store this bread to keep the crust crisp?

Store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two, which helps maintain the crust’s crispness without trapping moisture that softens it.

Final Thoughts

You deserve a bread that feels comforting yet special, and this Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread Recipe is exactly that. It’s a rewarding bake that fills your home with enchanting scents and your table with something truly delicious. I highly encourage you to try it—it’s more than just bread, it’s a little piece of homemade happiness.

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