Homemade Rustic Skillet Bread with Garlic and Rosemary Recipe
Introduction
Rustic skillet bread infused with garlic and rosemary is a simple yet flavorful homemade bread perfect for any meal. This easy recipe yields a crusty, aromatic loaf cooked right in your cast-iron skillet. Impress your family and friends with this delightful bread fresh from your oven.

Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Step 3: Add the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form.
- Step 4: Mix in the minced garlic and chopped rosemary, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 5: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 6: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Step 7: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a cast-iron skillet with olive oil.
- Step 8: After the dough has risen, punch it down and shape it into a round loaf. Place it in the prepared skillet.
- Step 9: Cover the skillet with a cloth and let the dough rise for another 15-20 minutes.
- Step 10: Drizzle olive oil over the top of the loaf and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Step 12: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the bread cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- For a deeper garlic flavor, roast the garlic before mixing it into the dough.
- Try adding other herbs like thyme or oregano for a different aroma and taste.
- If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, use an ovenproof baking dish and watch the baking time closely.
- For a cheesy twist, fold shredded mozzarella into the dough along with the garlic and rosemary.
Storage
Store leftover bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, freeze the bread in plastic wrap and a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore its crusty texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast but skip the activation step with warm water and sugar. Mix instant yeast directly with the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe.
What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If the dough doesn’t rise, check your yeast for freshness and ensure your water is at the correct warm temperature. Also, make sure the dough is kept in a warm, draft-free spot during rising.
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Homemade Rustic Skillet Bread with Garlic and Rosemary Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Experience the warm, aromatic goodness of Homemade Rustic Skillet Bread with Garlic and Rosemary. This easy recipe combines the flavors of fresh garlic, fragrant rosemary, and a hint of Parmesan in a soft, golden crust baked right in a cast-iron skillet. Perfect as a side or a savory snack, this bread is a delightful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Flavorings and Toppings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl with flour. Stir with a spoon until a rough dough starts to form.
- Add Flavorings: Incorporate the minced garlic and chopped fresh rosemary into the dough, ensuring they are evenly mixed for a burst of flavor throughout.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it vigorously for 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, developing the gluten structure needed for good bread texture.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a cast-iron skillet with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf into the prepared skillet.
- Second Rise: Cover the skillet with a cloth again and let the dough rise for another 15 to 20 minutes, allowing it to puff slightly before baking.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle olive oil over the surface of the loaf and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if using, to add a delicious crusty finish.
- Bake: Put the skillet in the preheated oven and bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the bread finish baking and sets the crumb. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure the water used to activate the yeast is warm but not hot, ideally around 110°F, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Using a cast-iron skillet helps achieve a crispy crust and even baking.
- Feel free to omit Parmesan cheese to keep the bread dairy-free.
- For best flavor, use fresh rosemary rather than dried.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Rustic Bread, Skillet Bread, Garlic Bread, Rosemary Bread, Homemade Bread, Cast-Iron Bread

