Homemade Rosemary Bread

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Stir in the olive oil, salt, and finely chopped rosemary. Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
4. Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Gently punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Cover the loaf again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until noticeably puffy.
7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise.
8. Optionally, make a few shallow slashes on top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
10. Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips

• Ensure your water temperature is correct for activating yeast – too hot will kill it, too cold won’t activate it.
• For extra flavor, lightly brush the top of the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt before baking.
• If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary, but fresh offers a superior flavor.
• To achieve a crispier crust, place a shallow pan of hot water on the bottom rack of your oven during baking.
• Leftover bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer.

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of baking your own bread from scratch. We encourage you to try this Homemade Rosemary Bread recipe and fill your home with its incredible aroma and taste. Don’t forget to tag us in your baking creations on social media and share your thoughts in the comments below!