Description
Homemade Rosemary Bread is a rustic, aromatic loaf infused with fresh rosemary, perfect for complementing soups, salads, or enjoyed simply with olive oil. This easy-to-make bread fills your kitchen with a warm herb fragrance and creates beautiful moments during baking, making it ideal for family meals or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine the warm water and active dry yeast in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, chopped fresh rosemary, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir together until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic in texture.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a towel. Leave it in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough gently to release air. Shape it into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet. Cover and let it rise again for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Loaf: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make several slashes on top of the loaf with a sharp knife to allow it to expand while baking.
- Bake Bread: Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh rosemary for the best flavor impact.
- Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to successfully activate the yeast.
- For an extra crispy crust, place a pan of water in the oven to create steam during baking.
- Store cooled bread in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Allowing the dough to rise twice is essential for a light and airy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Homemade bread, rosemary bread, rustic bread, easy bread recipe, herb bread, American bread recipe
