Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of a bakery-fresh loaf filling your kitchen with heady aromas, the Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread brings that fantasy deliciously to life. With its golden crust, tender crumb, and bursts of garlicky, herby flavor, this bread is all about maximum reward for minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting to dabble in bread making, this recipe is friendly, forgiving, and practically guarantees applause at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread is a celebration of simplicity, where every component shines. Each ingredient plays a thoughtful role, from providing structure to infusing fragrance and flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for your loaf, creating a satisfying chew and rustic texture.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor, pulling together the richness of the rosemary and garlic.
- Instant yeast: Prized for its ease and reliability, this tiny powerhouse gets our dough to rise beautifully, no kneading required.
- Warm water (about 110°F): Just the right temperature helps yeast wake up and work its magic; don’t go too hot.
- Chopped fresh rosemary (or dried): Adds earthy, resinous notes that perfume the bread and complement the garlic perfectly. Try fresh if you can.
- Garlic, minced or roasted: For deep flavor, use roasted garlic; for a sharper bite, go with raw. Either way, your bread will sing.
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting: Prevents sticking and gives that irresistible bakery-style touch to the crust.
How to Make Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and instant yeast. This quick blend ensures even distribution and sets you up for an even rise. Next, toss in the rosemary and garlic, mixing them throughout the flour so every bite of your Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread is filled with flavor.
Step 2: Add Water and Form Dough
Now pour in the warm water. Using a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula, stir until you have a shaggy, sticky dough. Don’t worry about lumps or unevenness—this recipe’s beauty is in its imperfection. The dough should look rough and feel tacky—that’s exactly right!
Step 3: The Slow Rise
Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. During this gentle fermentation, your dough will spring to life, bubbling and expanding, while rosemary and garlic flavors deepen. Time is your secret ingredient here.
Step 4: Shape the Loaf
Dust your work surface liberally with flour. Scrape the dough onto it, then, with floured hands, gently form it into a ball. There’s no need to knead—the less you handle it, the lighter the crumb. Let it rest for 30 minutes, allowing the newly awakened gluten to relax as you preheat the oven.
Step 5: Preheat the Dutch Oven
Place a Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot in your oven and preheat to 450°F. This step is crucial: the pot’s searing heat transforms a simple dough into that signature crusty loaf. Letting the bread proof while your pot heats is perfect timing.
Step 6: Bake Your Bread
Dust your hands and the dough with a bit of cornmeal or flour, then carefully lower your dough (seam side down) into the preheated pot. Cover and bake for 30 minutes—this traps steam, creating a beautiful rise and deep golden crust. Remove the lid and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until your Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread boasts a gloriously deep-brown exterior that crackles as it cools.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Transfer your loaf to a wire rack and let it cool completely before cutting. This is the hardest part, but it’s worth the wait: the steam finishes the crumb and ensures every slice is tender, airy, and aromatic.
How to Serve Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread
Garnishes
A sprinkling of flaky sea salt or a brush of olive oil right after baking can really heighten the flavors. For a rustic finish, a scattering of extra chopped rosemary or even a little zest of lemon adds pop and vivid color. If you leaned into roasted garlic, a slather of soft butter makes magic happen.
Side Dishes
This bread begs to partner with hearty soups, stews, or a fresh green salad. Try serving it alongside tomato basil soup, creamy potato-leek, or even just a bowl of high-quality olive oil with a touch of balsamic vinegar for dipping—the bread truly shines with both cozy and elegant meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, slice Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread into thick wedges for snacking and sharing. Make crostini topped with whipped ricotta and honey, or cube the loaf and toss with olive oil for homemade croutons. Your bread makes a jaw-dropping centerpiece for cheese and charcuterie boards as well.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap your cooled Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread in a clean towel or beeswax wrap, then store at room temperature for up to two days. The crust will soften slightly, but a quick reheat brings it back to life.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Slice the loaf once cooled, then wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap and slip into a freezer bag. Pull out a piece or two whenever you crave that homemade flavor—the texture and taste stay fantastic for up to three months.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked feeling, warm slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes right from the freezer, or pop them in a toaster. If reheating an entire loaf, cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through and the crust is crispy.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?
Absolutely! If you’re swapping in active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm water and let it sit for a few minutes until frothy, then proceed as directed. The rise time may be slightly longer, but results will be just as lovely.
What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
No worries—use any heavy oven-safe pot with a tight lid. In a pinch, you can bake on a preheated pizza stone, placing a metal pan of water on the oven floor to create steam for a crisp crust.
Can I make Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread gluten free?
You can try with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that’s meant for bread baking. The texture will be different, but the flavors of rosemary and garlic will still come through beautifully.
How do I roast garlic for a milder flavor?
Slice the top off a whole bulb of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool, squeeze out the cloves, and mash them before adding to your dough for mellow sweetness.
Can I add other herbs or flavors?
Absolutely! Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread is endlessly customizable. Try adding chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or swap rosemary for thyme, oregano, or sage to give your loaf a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
Every slice of Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread tastes like a warm welcome home. Whether you’re making it for yourself or to share with loved ones, it’s a simple ritual that brings comfort and joy. Dive in, let your home fill with the intoxicating aroma, and savor the unbeatable pleasure of a loaf you baked with your own hands.
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Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 13 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Enjoy the rustic charm of this flavorful No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread that requires minimal effort for a delicious homemade loaf. The combination of fragrant rosemary and garlic creates a delightful aroma and taste in each bite.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon instant yeast
- 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
Add-Ins:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting
Instructions
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast. Stir in rosemary and garlic. Add water, mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Rise: Cover and let rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours until bubbly.
- Shape & Preheat: Turn out dough, shape into a ball. Rest for 30 mins. Preheat oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside.
- Bake: Place dough in hot pot, bake covered for 30 mins. Uncover, bake 10-15 mins until golden.
- Cool & Serve: Cool on a rack before slicing.
Notes
- For a milder garlic flavor, consider roasting the garlic before adding it to the dough.
- This bread can be customized with herbs like thyme or oregano for different flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 12–18 hours rise time)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
