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Homemade Rosemary Bread Recipe

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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