If you’ve ever wanted to bake a bread that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and boasts a crusty outside with a soft, fluffy inside, this Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a charmingly simple, rustic loaf infused with the fragrant flavors of garlic and fresh rosemary, baked right in a cast iron skillet for that perfect golden crust. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe blends ease and elegance, delivering a loaf that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first joyful step towards making this beautiful bread. Each item plays an essential role, from the all-purpose flour that provides structure to the fresh rosemary that fills the aroma with earthiness.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your bread, giving it structure and chew.
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully without any fuss.
- 1 ½ cups warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for a tender crumb.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing and brushing): Adds moisture and a luscious richness to the crust and crumb.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses every bite with vibrant, savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped: Provides a fragrant herbaceous punch that complements the garlic perfectly.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the dough.
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkles radiant umami on top, elevating the bread’s taste to restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Dough
Start by combining the flour, instant yeast, salt, and warm water in a large bowl. Stir everything until you get that wonderfully shaggy dough formed. Then, add the olive oil and mix again until the dough feels cohesive and just a touch sticky. This step awakens the base of your bread and gets the yeast working its magic.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Cover your bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and set it somewhere cozy to let the dough rise. The waiting game here is worth it — after about 1 to 1.5 hours, you’ll see your dough puff up, nearly doubling in size and promising a light, airy loaf.
Step 3: Prepare the Skillet and Shape the Dough
Grease a cast iron skillet generously with olive oil—this ensures a crunchy, golden crust. Transfer your risen dough to the skillet and gently spread it toward the edges. Let it rest for another 20 to 30 minutes. This resting time lets the dough relax and fill out the skillet, shaping the bread’s signature rustic look.
Step 4: Add Your Toppings
Now for the flavor bomb: brush the dough generously with olive oil, then sprinkle the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and if you’re using it, the Parmesan cheese. This layer creates that mouthwatering, aromatic crust that takes this Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Recipe to the next level.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your skillet into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The bread is done when it turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. That crusty exterior will make it impossible to wait for the bread to cool down, but trust me, the wait is part of the joy.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your bread cool in the skillet for about 10 minutes. This allows the inside to finish setting so every slice holds together just right. Serve warm for the ultimate cozy experience.
How to Serve Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of flaky sea salt right after baking can elevate the crust’s flavor exquisitely. You can also drizzle a bit more olive oil or a smear of softened butter for added indulgence. Fresh rosemary sprigs on the side make for a lovely presentation and a hint of fresh aroma.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with soups, stews, and hearty salads. Picture dipping slices into a creamy tomato basil soup or alongside a warm bowl of butternut squash soup—the Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Recipe stands up perfectly to bold, comforting flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the bread into thick wedges and serve with a trio of flavored olive oils for dipping—maybe lemon-infused, chili, and classic herb. You can also use it as a base for an open-faced bruschetta, topping with roasted tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a sprinkle of basil.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, perfect for snacking or quick sandwiches the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, slice the bread and place the slices between parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. This way you can pull out just what you need, and it stays delicious for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a toaster oven or warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This restores the crust’s crispiness while keeping the inside fluffy and warm, almost as if freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried rosemary, but use about one-third of the amount called for fresh rosemary since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh rosemary really shines in this Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Recipe, but dried works in a pinch.
Do I need a cast iron skillet to make this bread?
While a cast iron skillet provides a fantastic crust and rustic appearance, you can bake the bread in any oven-safe skillet or round baking dish. Just make sure to grease it well to prevent sticking.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Absolutely! Experiment with thyme, oregano, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a twist. These additions can enhance your Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Recipe with new flavors.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The bread should be golden brown on top and release a hollow sound when tapped. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, ensuring the inside is cooked through.
Is this bread good for sandwiches?
Definitely! This bread’s sturdy crust and soft center make it ideal for hearty sandwiches, especially when filled with fresh ingredients like mozzarella, tomato, and basil or your favorite deli meats.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely magical about baking your own bread, especially when the aroma of garlic and rosemary fills your home. This Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy homemade bread that looks impressive and tastes even better. It’s approachable, reliable, and invites creativity—so grab your skillet and get baking; your new favorite bread experience awaits!
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Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 1, 1 round loaf
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is a flavorful homemade loaf baked to golden perfection in a cast iron skillet. Infused with fresh garlic and rosemary, and optionally topped with Parmesan cheese, it makes a perfect savory accompaniment to any meal or a delicious snack on its own. The bread is soft on the inside with a crisp crust, and the rustic, hearty texture comes from a simple dough that requires minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing and brushing)
Flavorings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and warm water. Stir the mixture until a shaggy dough forms. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and mix until the dough is fully combined and smooth.
- Allow dough to rise: Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap to keep the dough moist. Let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Prepare skillet and rest dough: Generously grease a cast iron skillet with olive oil. Transfer the risen dough into the skillet and gently spread it out to fill the edges. Let the dough rest for 20 to 30 minutes to relax and puff up slightly.
- Add toppings: Brush the top of the dough with olive oil. Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and, if using, the grated Parmesan cheese over the surface of the dough.
- Bake the bread: Place the skillet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the bread cool for about 10 minutes in the skillet. Slice and serve the bread warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, you can preheat the cast iron skillet before adding the dough.
- If you prefer, you can substitute fresh rosemary with dried rosemary, but use about 1 teaspoon.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice savory depth to the bread.
- This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- You can customize the toppings with other herbs or seasonings like thyme or oregano.
