Discover the deliciously simple recipe for Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread! This fragrant bread is a must-try for bread lovers and anyone who enjoys fresh, homemade bread with minimal effort. With a crunchy crust, soft interior, and the infusion of garlic and rosemary, this bread is perfect for pairing with soups, cheeses, or enjoying on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and Quick: No kneading required, just mix and let it rise.
- Rich Flavor: The rosemary and garlic add a depth of flavor that’s savory and aromatic.
- Perfect Texture: The bread comes out with a crispy crust and soft, airy inside.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1½ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for coating)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Mix to combine.
- Add the rosemary and garlic into the flour mixture, stirring well to evenly distribute.
- Pour in the warm water gradually and mix until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be sticky – that’s perfectly fine!
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise at room temperature for at least 12 to 18 hours. The dough will double in size and form bubbles on the surface.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
- After rising, lightly flour your hands and shape the dough into a ball, folding it gently. Avoid overworking it to maintain its airy texture.
- Let the dough rest on a lightly floured surface for about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Preheat and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a Dutch oven (or similar oven-safe pot with a lid) inside to heat up for about 30 minutes.
- Carefully place the dough into the hot Dutch oven. If desired, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top for a golden crust.
- Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the crust turns a deep golden brown.
Tips for the Best Rustic No Knead Bread
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh rosemary and garlic enhance the flavor profile of the bread.
- Let It Rise Fully: The 12-18 hour rise time is essential for the dough to develop a deep flavor and airy texture.
- Dutch Oven Trick: Heating the pot before baking helps create steam, which contributes to a crunchy crust.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this rustic bread fresh out of the oven with a spread of butter, alongside soups or stews, or sliced thin for gourmet sandwiches. It’s also excellent for making crostini or as a base for bruschetta!
Final Thoughts
This Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread is a fantastic recipe for beginner and seasoned bakers alike. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can enjoy fresh, bakery-quality bread at home! Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or any meal that could use a side of flavorful, homemade bread.
Serving and Storage Tips for Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread
Serving Suggestions
- Warm with Butter: Serve slices fresh from the oven with a smear of butter for a simple, savory treat.
- Accompany Soups and Stews: This bread pairs perfectly with hearty soups and stews, adding a chewy texture that’s ideal for dipping.
- Gourmet Sandwiches: Slice it thin and layer it with your favorite sandwich ingredients for a rustic, gourmet-style sandwich.
- Crostini or Bruschetta: Toast thin slices and top with tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella for a delicious appetizer or snack.
- Cheese and Charcuterie Boards: This bread is an excellent addition to a cheese or charcuterie board, where the herbal notes of rosemary and garlic complement cured meats and cheeses.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Keep the bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for 2-3 days. Avoid plastic bags, as they can make the crust soggy.
- Freezing: To store for longer, wrap the cooled bread tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. The bread will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy frozen bread, thaw it at room temperature and reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. This will restore the crispy crust and warm the bread throughout.
- Re-crisping the Crust: If the crust loses its crispness, place the loaf in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-7 minutes to bring it back to a crunchy texture.
With these tips, you can enjoy your Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread fresh and flavorful every time!
1. Can I Make This Bread Without a Dutch Oven?
- Yes! If you don’t have a Dutch oven, use an oven-safe pot with a lid, or place the dough on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the first part of baking. Just be aware that the crust may not be quite as crispy without the steam created in a Dutch oven.
2. What’s the Best Way to Add Other Herbs or Ingredients?
- Feel free to experiment! You can add dried thyme, oregano, or even grated Parmesan. Add these at the same time as the rosemary and garlic to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Can I Use Active Dry Yeast Instead of Instant Yeast?
- Yes, but with a slight adjustment. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding it to the flour mixture. Reduce the remaining water in the recipe by 1/4 cup.
4. Why Did My Bread Turn Out Dense Instead of Airy?
- This can happen if the dough didn’t rise long enough, or if the yeast was not fresh. Make sure to let it rise for the full 12-18 hours and check that your yeast is within its expiration date for the best texture.
Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread
This Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread combines aromatic rosemary and garlic in a beautifully crusty, artisan-style loaf. No kneading is required—just mix, let it rise, and bake for a deliciously easy homemade bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Rise Time: 20-24 hours
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 25 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¾ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups room-temperature water
- 2 tbsp cornmeal (for dusting the pan)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, and yeast. Stir briefly to blend.
- Add the water and stir until a wet, sticky dough forms. This should take about 30 seconds; the dough will look shaggy, which is perfect.
- First Rise:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough sit at room temperature for 18-24 hours. The dough should rise and develop bubbles on its surface.
- Prepare for Baking:
- When the dough is ready, lightly oil a 10-inch cast iron skillet (or Dutch oven) and sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, handling it gently to keep its airy texture. Shape it into a round loaf.
- Second Rise:
- Place the shaped dough into the prepared skillet or Dutch oven. Cover with a clean dishtowel and let it rise again at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Once preheated, place the skillet with the dough into the oven.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until the bread is golden brown. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, olive oil, or as a side with soups and salads.
Notes
- Storage: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Variations: For a cheesy twist, add ½ cup of shredded cheese to the dough.
- Alternative Herbs: Try thyme or sage in addition to rosemary for a different flavor profile.