Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked rosemary bread filling your home. This homemade recipe is simple to follow and yields a crusty, flavorful loaf that pairs perfectly with any meal or stands beautifully on its own.

Homemade Rosemary Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the yeast by combining warm water and yeast in a large bowl; let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Step 2: Mix in flour, salt, chopped rosemary, and olive oil until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Punch down the dough gently and shape it into a round loaf; place it on a baking sheet and let it rise again for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Make slashes on top of the loaf and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Step 7: Allow bread to cool before slicing.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper rosemary flavor, infuse the olive oil with rosemary before adding it to the dough.
Try adding a tablespoon of honey to the dough for a subtle sweetness.
Use a baking stone or preheat the baking sheet to help create a crispier crust.
Swap fresh rosemary for dried if needed—use about 1 tablespoon dried rosemary.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped in a clean towel or in a bread box at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it longer, slice and freeze portions in airtight bags for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven to refresh the crust and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Mix it directly with the flour and reduce the warm water slightly since instant yeast activates faster and doesn’t need to be proofed.

How do I know if my bread is fully baked?

The loaf is done when it turns a rich golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of about 190-200°F (88-93°C) also indicates it’s fully baked.

Homemade Rosemary Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 73 reviews

This Homemade Rosemary Bread recipe yields a fragrant, golden-brown loaf infused with fresh rosemary. Perfectly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, this bread is made from simple ingredients and traditional kneading and baking techniques. It’s ideal for sandwiches, serving alongside soups, or simply enjoying with a spread of butter.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 1/2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon olive oil

Herbs

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped

Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready.
Mix Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, salt, chopped fresh rosemary, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, making sure all ingredients are incorporated.
Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. Continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, which is essential for a good bread texture.
First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for approximately 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Shape and Second Rise: Gently punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet. Cover and allow the dough to rise again for 30 minutes to help develop a light texture.
Prepare Oven and Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Before baking, make a few slashes on top of the loaf with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape and help the bread expand evenly. Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This resting period helps finish the cooking process and prevents the bread from becoming gummy inside.

Notes

Ensure the water used to activate the yeast is warm, not hot, ideally around 110°F (43°C) to avoid killing the yeast.
Kneading times may vary slightly; the dough should be elastic and not sticky when ready.
Use fresh rosemary for the best flavor; dried herbs may alter the intensity.
Letting the bread cool fully before slicing prevents a gummy texture.
Store leftover bread in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Rosemary bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, yeast bread, baked bread, aromatic bread