Homemade Rosemary Bread Recipe

Introduction

Homemade rosemary bread is a fragrant and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any meal. This simple recipe combines fresh rosemary with a soft, chewy texture, making it a delightful treat straight from your oven.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Step 2: Add the flour, salt, chopped rosemary, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf on a baking sheet, cover it, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make a few slashes on the top of the loaf with a sharp knife and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Step 7: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper rosemary flavor, lightly toast the rosemary before adding it to the dough.
• Substitute olive oil with melted butter for a richer taste.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder or grated Parmesan cheese for a savory twist.
• Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.

Storage

Store the rosemary bread at room temperature wrapped in a clean cloth or paper bag to maintain its crust. It stays fresh for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, then toast or warm slices directly from the freezer.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried rosemary but use about one-third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread is done when it has a golden brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Using a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach around 190°F (88°C).

Homemade Rosemary Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 107 reviews

This homemade rosemary bread is a fragrant, rustic loaf perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients including fresh rosemary and olive oil, it offers a delightful aroma and a tender, flavorful crumb. Ideal for serving alongside soups, stews, or enjoying on its own with butter.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 1 round loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped

Wet Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix Dough: Add the flour, salt, chopped rosemary, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir together until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, developing gluten structure.
4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet. Cover again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
6. Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make several shallow slashes on the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking.
7. Bake: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
8. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving to allow the crumb to set.

Notes

• Ensure the water is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast without killing it (about 105°F to 110°F).
• Kneading is essential to develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chewiness.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
• Fresh rosemary is preferred for the best flavor; dried rosemary can be substituted but use half the amount.
• For a crispier crust, place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.

Keywords: rosemary bread, homemade bread, yeast bread, artisan bread, easy bread recipe, Italian bread