If you’re searching for a homemade bread that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and impress anyone who takes a bite, look no further than this Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread. The secret lies in its crusty, rustic texture paired with the deeply savory flavor of roasted garlic and herbal notes of rosemary. From its crackling exterior to its perfectly chewy crumb, every slice of this bread is a moment worth savoring—whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy snack at home.

Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread is refreshingly simple, yet each element plays a starring role. The beauty of artisan bread is that a handful of well-chosen ingredients can create something truly spectacular. Let’s look at what makes each one so special:

All-purpose or bread flour (3 1/4 cups): Provides the body and structure, giving the bread its chewy crumb and gorgeous crust.
Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Essential for flavor; don’t be tempted to skip or reduce it!
Instant yeast (1/2 teaspoon): A tiny amount which works wonders during the long rise for subtle tang and airiness.
Warm water (1 1/2 cups, about 110°F): Helps activate the yeast and brings the dough together for a perfect rise.
Whole garlic bulb (1): Roasting mellows the garlic, infusing the loaf with sweet, savory depth in every bite.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Drizzled over garlic for roasting, adding richness and silkiness to the flavor profile.
Fresh rosemary, chopped (2 tablespoons) or dried (2 teaspoons): Rosemary’s piney scent and taste infuses the bread with vibrant Mediterranean brightness.
Additional flour for dusting: Keeps sticky dough manageable and gives the crust that iconic artisan look.
Cornmeal or parchment for baking surface: Prevents sticking while baking and helps achieve a rustic finish on the bottom of your loaf.

How to Make Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the very top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves, drizzle generously with olive oil, then wrap loosely in foil. Roast for 35–40 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Once it’s cool enough to handle, simply squeeze the magic out of each clove and mash it into a smooth, fragrant paste. Roasted garlic is the heart of this bread, imparting sweetness and depth that raw garlic just can’t match.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, instant yeast, and chopped rosemary. Give it a quick stir before adding the warm water and all of your roasted garlic paste. Use a sturdy spoon or your hand to stir just until you have a shaggy, sticky dough—no kneading required! Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours. This slow fermentation is what gives Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread its airy structure and complex flavor. Don’t rush it!

Step 3: Shape the Dough

When your dough has doubled and is bubbly, generously dust your work surface with flour and gently turn the dough out of the bowl. Flour your hands well (this dough is sticky by design) and fold it over onto itself several times to encourage tension on the surface. Shape it into a loose ball, cover with a clean towel, and let it rest for 30 minutes. This short bench rest allows the gluten to relax slightly so shaping is easier.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Baking Vessel

About 30 minutes before baking, place a Dutch oven with its lid into your oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C). The blazing-hot vessel is what creates the signature crunchy crust of Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread by trapping steam around the loaf. Once you’re ready to bake, carefully transfer your shaped dough onto a piece of parchment. If you want to get fancy, score the top with a sharp knife for dramatic, bakery-style results.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven (safely, using oven mitts), and lower the parchment-wrapped dough inside. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and continue baking for 10–15 minutes until your bread is gloriously golden and deeply crusty. Transfer the hot loaf to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing. As tempting as it is to dive in right away, cooling helps set the crumb and retains all those precious juices and aromas.

How to Serve Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread

Garnishes

When it’s time to serve, a light brush of olive oil or a scattering of flaked sea salt can really elevate your slices. Try sprinkling more fresh rosemary on top for a pop of color and extra aroma. Sometimes, just a pat of creamy butter melting into the warm bread is all you need for pure perfection.

Side Dishes

This bread is a showstopper alongside many meals—pair it with a hearty soup, a crisp salad, or a cheese and charcuterie board for an unforgettable starter. Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread also shines with Italian dishes, like lasagna or rustic stews, soaking up all those delightful sauces.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, slice the loaf and arrange it in a rustic basket lined with linen. You could also cube the bread for a fondue night, use slices for gourmet sandwiches, or toast them for elevated bruschetta. However you serve it, this is a loaf that likes to be the center of attention!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread at its best, store cut sides down on a wooden board and cover with a clean kitchen towel. This helps preserve the crust for a day or two. For longer storage, wrap tightly in foil or place in a bread bag at room temperature—avoid plastic, which makes the crust soft.

Freezing

If you plan to enjoy the bread later, slice it and freeze individual pieces wrapped in parchment and sealed in a freezer bag. This makes it easy to thaw just what you need, and you’ll always have a slice of deliciousness on hand for emergencies (or sudden cravings)!

Reheating

To refresh that bakery-fresh crust, reheat the bread or slices in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes. You’ll revive the crisp exterior and warm up the interior so the flavors of rosemary and roasted garlic shine through, as if just baked.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Absolutely! Just dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, then proceed as directed. The flavor and texture will still be fantastic in your Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread.

What’s the best way to chop rosemary for bread?

Strip the leaves from the woody stems, bunch them tightly, and use a sharp knife to mince them finely. This releases their oils and ensures even rosemary flavor in every bite of your loaf.

How do I prevent my bread from sticking to the Dutch oven?

Using parchment paper is a game-changer for this! It makes transferring the dough easy and ensures your Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread comes out of the oven without sticking or tearing.

Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?

You sure can. Use a baking stone (or heavy sheet pan), and add a pan of water on the bottom rack for steam, which helps achieve that beautiful crust. The texture will still be wonderfully rustic and crisp.

Why does the bread need such a long rising time?

The extended 12–18 hour rise develops the flavor and texture of the bread, letting the yeast work slowly for maximum depth. This is what gives Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread its complex taste and open, airy crumb—it’s truly worth the wait!

Final Thoughts

Baking this Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread is such a joyful experience, and the payoff is absolutely worth every minute of its leisurely rise. Whether you’re a first-time bread baker or a seasoned pro, this loaf makes every meal memorable. Give it a try, share it with friends, and savor every aromatic slice—your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 13–19 hours
Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

This Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread is a flavorful and rustic loaf that requires minimal effort for maximum reward. With the earthy aroma of roasted garlic and the fragrant essence of fresh rosemary, this bread is a perfect accompaniment to any meal or a delicious standalone treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bread:

3 1/4 cups all-purpose or bread flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
1 whole garlic bulb
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
Additional flour for dusting
Cornmeal or parchment for baking surface

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Instructions

Roast the Garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool, then squeeze the cloves out and mash into a paste.
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, yeast, and rosemary. Stir in warm water and the roasted garlic paste until a shaggy dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours until bubbly and doubled.
Shape and Bake: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. With floured hands, fold the dough over itself a few times to shape into a ball. Let rest, covered, for 30 minutes. Preheat a Dutch oven in the oven to 450°F (230°C). Carefully transfer the dough to parchment paper, score the top if desired, then bake covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until golden and crusty. Cool before slicing.

Notes

For extra depth, add grated Parmesan or black pepper to the dough.
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, bake on a baking stone with a pan of water in the oven to create steam.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 12–18 hours rise time)
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: European