Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread

A delightfully fragrant and savory artisan bread featuring the rich flavors of roasted garlic and rosemary. This homemade bread is perfect for pairing with soups, cheeses, or as a stand-alone treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Aromatic: The roasted garlic and rosemary provide an irresistible combination of savory and earthy notes.
• Crispy Artisan Crust: Baking in a Dutch oven creates a perfectly golden, crackling crust.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples, this recipe is approachable and satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The long rise time means you can prepare the dough the day before baking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Roasted Garlic:

• 1 head garlic
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Bread:

• 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 or fine sea salt
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped rosemary, plus more to sprinkle on top
• 1 whole head roasted garlic, smashed
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Slice the garlic head in half horizontally.
2. Drizzle the exposed cloves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Wrap the garlic in foil and roast on a baking sheet for 40 minutes.
4. Let cool, then remove the cloves from their skins and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. Sprinkle yeast over the water in a small bowl and let sit for 10–15 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, oregano, salt, and rosemary.
3. Add the yeast mixture, roasted garlic, and olive oil to the dry ingredients.
4. Use a rubber spatula to mix just until combined. The dough will be sticky and slightly shaggy.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

1. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm spot to rise for 8–10 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape and Proof

1. Gently fold the dough into itself several times to form a soft, flour-covered ball.
2. Place the dough into a flour-dusted bowl or proofing basket. Dust the top with flour, cover, and refrigerate for 1–24 hours.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat oven to 450ºF (232ºC) with a Dutch oven or covered baking vessel inside.
2. Turn the dough out onto parchment paper seam-side down. Shape it into a loaf, score the top, and carefully transfer it to the preheated Dutch oven.
3. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy fresh or toasted with butter, olive oil, or cheese.

Total Time

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Rise Time: 8–10 hours
• Chill Time: 1–24 hours
• Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
• Total Time: 18 hours 40 minutes

Servings

• Yield: 1 loaf

Variations

• Herb Additions: Add thyme, parsley, or chives for more herbal complexity.
• Cheesy Twist: Mix shredded Parmesan or Asiago into the dough for a cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast breads.
• Sweet Garlic: Use roasted garlic confit for a milder and sweeter flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the bread, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350ºF (175ºC) for 5–10 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

1. Why use a Dutch oven for baking?

A Dutch oven traps steam, creating a crispy crust while keeping the inside tender and airy.

2. Can I skip the roasted garlic?

Yes, but the roasted garlic adds depth and sweetness. Substitute with minced fresh garlic if needed.

3. How do I know when the bread is done?

The bread is ready when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

4. Can I use instant yeast?

Yes, substitute active dry yeast with the same amount of instant yeast, skipping the activation step.

5. What if I don’t have a proofing basket?

Use a bowl lined with a floured kitchen towel.

6. Can I add olives to this bread?

Yes, chopped Kalamata or green olives pair wonderfully with rosemary and garlic.

7. What flour is best for this recipe?

Bread flour is ideal for a chewy texture, but all-purpose flour works well too.

8. Do I need to preheat the Dutch oven?

Preheating ensures the bread starts baking in a hot, steamy environment for a better crust.

9. Can I use dried rosemary?

Yes, but fresh rosemary offers a more vibrant flavor. Reduce the amount slightly if using dried.

10. How do I keep the crust crispy?

Let the bread cool completely before storing and avoid sealing it in plastic.

Conclusion

Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread is a flavorful, homemade masterpiece that elevates any meal. The combination of earthy rosemary and sweet roasted garlic makes this bread irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is simple enough to try and rewarding enough to repeat. Happy baking!

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