Print

Homemade Rosemary Bread Recipe

4.7 from 109 reviews

This homemade rosemary bread recipe yields a fragrant, golden loaf infused with fresh rosemary. It features a simple yeast dough that’s kneaded, risen twice, and baked to perfection. The result is a crusty exterior with a soft, flavorful crumb, perfect as a savory accompaniment or on its own.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet of active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 1/2 cups of warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the Dough: Add the flour, salt, chopped rosemary, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten structure.
  4. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Shape and Second Rise: Punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles, shape it into a round loaf, and place on a baking sheet. Cover and let it rise for another 30 minutes to achieve a light and airy texture.
  6. Preheat Oven and Score: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Use a sharp knife to make several slashes on top of the loaf to allow for expansion during baking.
  7. Bake the Bread: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving to preserve the texture.

Notes

  • Make sure the water temperature is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • For a more intense rosemary flavor, gently bruise the rosemary before chopping to release oils.
  • Letting the bread cool before slicing helps retain its structure and prevents it from becoming gummy.
  • This bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: homemade bread, rosemary bread, yeast bread, fresh rosemary, baking bread, savory bread