There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. When infused with the earthy, piney fragrance of rosemary, bread transforms into a gourmet delight that’s both rustic and elegant.
Rosemary bread recipes have long been cherished for their versatility, whether served alongside a hearty stew, dipped in olive oil, or simply enjoyed on their own with a pat of butter. The herb’s robust flavor perfectly complements the warm, chewy texture of homemade bread, making it a favorite in kitchens around the world.
In this blog post, we’ll explore several delicious bread recipes featuring rosemary, each bringing its own unique twist to this classic herb bread. From focaccia to a simple rosemary loaf, these recipes are approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
Plus, they’re perfect for those who want to impress guests or add a fragrant touch to everyday meals. Ready to fill your home with the scent of rosemary bread?
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rosemary bread is a fantastic way to elevate your baking repertoire. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with these recipes:
- Fragrant and Flavorful: The herbal notes of rosemary add a fresh, savory depth that pairs well with many dishes.
- Easy to Make: Whether you have experience with bread-making or are a beginner, these recipes are straightforward and rewarding.
- Versatile: Enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or side dish with soups, salads, and mains.
- Customizable: You can add olives, garlic, or even Parmesan cheese for exciting variations.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Impress friends and family with homemade bread that tastes like it’s from a bakery.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 ½ cups (440g) | For best results, use bread flour |
| Active dry yeast | 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) | Ensure freshness for proper rise |
| Warm water | 1 ¼ cups (300ml) | About 110°F (43°C) to activate yeast |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tbsp | Plus extra for drizzling |
| Fresh rosemary | 2 tbsp, finely chopped | Remove leaves from stems |
| Salt | 1 ½ tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Sugar | 1 tsp | Feeds the yeast |
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or dough whisk
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Baking sheet or loaf pan
- Oven
- Sharp knife or bread lame for scoring
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly. This indicates the yeast is alive and ready.
- Mix the dough: Add the flour, salt, chopped rosemary, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until the ingredients come together into a shaggy dough.
- Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Add a little flour if needed, but avoid over-flouring.
- First rise: Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the bread: Punch down the risen dough gently to release air. Shape it into a round loaf or press it into a lightly oiled loaf pan or baking sheet.
- Second rise: Cover again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Just before baking, use a sharp knife to score the top of the bread to allow steam to escape. Drizzle the remaining olive oil on top and sprinkle with extra rosemary and a pinch of coarse salt for texture.
- Bake: Place the bread in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Transfer the bread to a cooling rack and let it cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This step ensures the bread finishes cooking internally and develops the perfect crumb.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra burst of flavor, try adding minced garlic or olives to the dough. You can also experiment with different types of flour like whole wheat or spelt for a nuttier taste.”
- Garlic Rosemary Bread: Add 2 cloves of finely minced garlic to the dough for a savory twist.
- Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia: Flatten the dough into a rimmed baking sheet, dimple with your fingers, and top with rosemary and flaky sea salt before baking.
- Cheesy Rosemary Bread: Incorporate ½ cup of shredded Parmesan or mozzarella into the dough for a melty, cheesy treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free bread flour blend and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
- Make Ahead: This dough can be prepared the night before and refrigerated for a slow rise, enhancing the flavor.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
Serving Suggestions
Rosemary bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve warm with butter or olive oil for dipping.
It’s a perfect accompaniment to soups, stews, and salads. Here are some ideas to enjoy your rosemary bread:
- Alongside a rustic vegetable soup like the Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide.
- As a base for open-faced sandwiches topped with fresh tomato and basil.
- Paired with a creamy dip such as the Best Vegan Kale Dip Recipe for Easy Healthy Snacking.
- Toast slices for a fragrant breakfast, spread with avocado or your favorite nut butter.
Conclusion
Baking bread with rosemary is a delightful way to bring warmth and flavor into your kitchen. These recipes not only provide a satisfying baking experience but also yield delicious, aromatic bread that enhances any meal.
Whether you’re making a simple loaf, a cheesy variation, or a focaccia, the fresh rosemary elevates the taste and aroma to something truly special.
With easy-to-follow steps, accessible ingredients, and plenty of room for customization, you can create bakery-quality rosemary bread right at home. Don’t hesitate to try these recipes and experiment with your favorite add-ins.
And if you’re interested in pairing your bread with some wholesome meals, check out our other recipes like the Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or the Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Rosemary Focaccia Bread
Description: A fragrant and soft focaccia bread infused with fresh rosemary. Perfect as a side or for sandwiches.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water; let sit 5 minutes.
- Mix flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Add yeast mixture and olive oil to flour; stir until dough forms.
- Knead dough on floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Press dough into a greased baking pan, dimple with fingers.
- Sprinkle rosemary and coarse sea salt over dough; drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal per serving | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 28 g
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