Name: Homemade Rosemary Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet active dry yeast; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 1/2 cups warm water; 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Introduction

Enjoy the warm, aromatic flavor of homemade rosemary bread, a rustic loaf that fills your kitchen with inviting scents. This easy-to-make bread pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or simply olive oil for dipping. Baking this bread brings a touch of comfort and a memorable experience to your home.

A round loaf of bread sits in a white bowl on a gray cloth, placed on a white marbled surface. The bread has a golden brown crust with a crispy texture, topped with scattered sesame seeds and fresh green rosemary sprigs. The top crust is scored in a cross pattern, showing a lighter, airy inside with a soft white texture beneath the crust. The light shines on the bread, highlighting its crusty and fluffy layers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
Step 2: Add the flour, salt, chopped rosemary, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Gently punch down the dough to release air, shape it into a round loaf, and place it on a baking sheet. Let it rise again for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make slashes on top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
Step 7: Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
Step 8: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to preserve its texture.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper rosemary flavor, gently bruise the rosemary leaves before adding them to the dough.
Substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber.
Brush the top of the loaf with olive oil before baking for a shinier crust.
Add a pinch of garlic powder or grated Parmesan cheese into the dough for extra savory notes.

Storage

Store the bread in a paper bag or wrapped loosely in a kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain the crust. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight bag for up to 1 month. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven to restore freshness before serving.

How to Serve

A round loaf of bread sits in a white plate on a gray cloth. The bread has a golden-brown crust with a textured, crispy surface. There are two visible layers of the loaf: the outer crust which is darker and sprinkled with sesame seeds and small green rosemary leaves, and the inner part which is lighter and soft with a fluffy texture. The top of the bread is decorated with more rosemary leaves scattered across the surface. The lighting highlights the texture and colors of the bread, casting soft shadows on the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried rosemary, but use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Adjust to taste.

How do I know if the yeast is still active?

If the yeast mixture becomes frothy and bubbly after 5 minutes in warm water, it is active. If not, your yeast may be expired or the water temperature was incorrect.