Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

Did you know that store-bought bread, despite its convenience, often lacks the depth of flavor and wholesome goodness of homemade? Are you ready to challenge that notion with a bread that's not only easier to make than you think but also explodes with rustic charm? Here's how— with our Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread. This recipe cuts traditional bread-making time by almost half, using fresh, simple ingredients to create a loaf that's crusty on the outside, delightfully soft on the inside, and infused with aromatic garlic and rosemary. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this flavorful skillet bread that’s perfect as a snack, side or used for sandwiches.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this aromatic skillet bread to life:

All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (375g). Provides structure. For a healthier twist, substitute one cup with whole wheat flour.
Active Dry Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g). The magical ingredient for that airy rise. Make sure it's fresh!
Warm Water: 1 ½ cups (360ml), heated to around 110°F (43°C). Activates the yeast. Too hot, and it will kill the yeast!
Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons. Adds moisture, flavor, and helps create that beautiful crust. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for flavor.
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. The pungent heart of this bread. Feel free to add more if you're a garlic lover! Roasted garlic adds a sweeter flavor.
Fresh Rosemary: 2 tablespoons, chopped. Imparts a fragrant, earthy aroma. Dried rosemary can be used, but use half the amount.
Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons. Enhances the flavors and controls the yeast. Sea salt offers a more complex flavor if that's your preference.
Optional – Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup – for extra flavor and a beautiful golden crust.

Timing

Get ready to enjoy this delicious bread in no time!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes. This includes gathering, measuring, and mixing your ingredients.
Proofing Time: 60 minutes. Time allows the yeast to work its magic, expanding the dough.
Cooking Time: 35 minutes. Perfectly bakes the inside and achieves a golden-brown crust.
Total Time: Approximately 90 minutes. Remarkably faster than many traditional bread recipes which can take a minimum of 3 hours!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake your own rustic garlic rosemary skillet bread:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This step guarantees the yeast is active and ready to make your bread rise beautifully. If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to start again with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add olive oil, minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour while mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Don't worry if it seems a bit sticky, that's perfectly normal.

Step 3: First Rise (Proofing)

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 60 minutes or until doubled in size. This step is crucial to developing the airy texture of the bread. Ideal rising temperatures are between 75°F and 85°F.

Step 4: Shape and Second Rise (Proofing)

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s preheating, gently punch down the dough to release any excess air. Transfer the dough to a well-oiled 10-inch cast-iron skillet. Shape the dough into a round and let it rest for another 15 minutes. For an extra golden crust, lightly brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese (optional).

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top starts browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the skillet bread from the oven and let it cool in the skillet for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the bread to set properly, making it easier to slice and enjoy.

Nutritional Information

Here's a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per slice (based on 8 slices):

Calories: Approximately 280 kcals
Protein: 7g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 9g (including saturated fat)
Fiber: 2g

Data varies based on specific ingredients used.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking to make this delicious bread even healthier? Here are some easy tweaks:

Whole Wheat Flour: Replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber content.
Reduce Salt: Cut the salt by ¼ teaspoon. You'll still get great flavor, but with less sodium.
Olive Oil: Stick to extra virgin olive oil for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
Herbs: Instead of only rosemary, add other herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for an extra boost of flavor and nutrients.
Sweetener Modification: Substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup for added antioxidants and natural sugars. Use equal amounts.

Serving Suggestions

This Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is incredibly versatile! Here are some irresistible ways to serve it:

Appetizer with Dips: Serve warm slices with a selection of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, hummus, or pesto.
Alongside Soups and Stews: A delightful accompaniment to warm soups and stews, perfect for dipping.
Sandwich Bread: Slice the bread and use it for delicious sandwiches—from classic turkey and cheese to gourmet grilled vegetables.
Bruschetta Base: Top toasted slices with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for a simple and elegant bruschetta.
Garlic Bread Upgrade: Slice, brush with garlic butter, and broil for an amazing homemade garlic bread!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect Water Temperature: Using water that’s too hot will kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate. Aim for 110°F (43°C).
Over-kneading: Be careful when combining the wet with the dry ingredients, because over-kneading can result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
Rushing the Rise: Always allow the dough enough time to double in size during the proofing stage. This step is crucial for developing the correct texture.
Baking at the Wrong Temperature: An accurate oven temperature is essential. If your oven runs hot or cold, adjust accordingly. Too high and you will burn the bread; too low and you will undercook it!

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Room Temperature: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, slice the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reviving Stale Bread: If the bread has become slightly stale, spritz it with water and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore some of its moisture and texture.

Conclusion

Ready to enjoy a truly amazing Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread? Remember to activate your yeast correctly, be patient during rising, and don't over-bake! Share your baking successes and any creative twists in the comments below, and invite your friends to try this game-changing recipe too. Looking for more variations? Explore our other skillet bread recipes and elevate your baking game!

FAQs

Q: Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can. Use about half the amount of dried rosemary (1 tablespoon) since it's more concentrated in flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: While this recipe is designed for wheat flour, many gluten-free all-purpose flour blends work well. Be sure to use a measuring cup with a 1:1 ratio. Keep your eye on the dough while baking; gluten-free flour typically cooks faster.

Q: Can I use sourdough starter for this recipe?

A: Yes, for a sourdough version, simply replace the active dry yeast with about 1 cup of active sourdough starter. You may need to adjust the hydration of the dough, as sourdough starters vary in consistency.

Q: What if I don't have a cast iron skillet?

A: A regular oven-safe skillet or baking pan will work, although a cast-iron skillet gives a superior crust.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this bread?

A: Absolutely! Sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or different types of cheese would all be fantastic additions. Just be mindful of the overall moisture content and adjust accordingly.