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Homemade Rosemary Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 85 reviews

Homemade Rosemary Bread is a fragrant and flavorful loaf made with basic ingredients like all-purpose flour, fresh rosemary, and olive oil. The bread features a soft, elastic crumb with a golden crust, perfect for sharing or serving alongside meals. This recipe guides you through the process of proofing, kneading, and baking the dough to achieve a rustic, aromatic bread that’s simple yet impressive.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active and ready to work.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, chopped fresh rosemary, and olive oil to the frothy yeast mixture. Stir until the ingredients come together into a shaggy dough.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. This develops the gluten for a better bread texture.
  4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for approximately 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough to release excess air. Shape it into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet. Cover again and allow it to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Before baking, make several slashes on top of the loaf with a sharp knife, allowing steam to escape and aiding in crust formation.
  7. Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the loaf turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing to ensure the texture sets properly.

Notes

  • Use fresh rosemary for the most vibrant flavor; dried rosemary can substitute but use slightly less as it is more concentrated.
  • Ensure your yeast is fresh and activated to guarantee a proper rise.
  • Kneading is essential to develop gluten, which provides structure and chewiness to the bread.
  • Proof the dough in a warm, draft-free environment to encourage optimal rising.
  • Experiment with adding ingredients such as chopped olives, grated Parmesan, or alternative herbs like thyme or oregano for unique flavors.
  • For added sweetness, consider brushing the loaf with honey and sprinkling sea salt before baking.
  • Let the bread cool fully before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.

Keywords: Homemade Rosemary Bread, Rosemary Bread, Bread Recipe, Fresh Rosemary Bread, Homemade Bread, Rustic Bread, Flavored Bread

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/homemade-rosemary-bread-recipe/