Name: Easy Roasted Garlic Rosemary Artisan Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 13 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¾ teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon active dry yeast; 1 ½ cups warm water; 1 bulb roasted garlic (about 8–10 cloves), peeled and mashed; 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped; Additional flour or cornmeal for dusting

This roasted garlic rosemary artisan bread is everything I want in a homemade loaf—crusty on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, with a fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes. No kneading required, just a simple mix-and-rest method that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s rustic, comforting, and perfect alongside a warm bowl of soup, a fresh salad, or a hearty pasta dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 ¾ teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon active dry yeast

1 ½ cups warm water

1 bulb roasted garlic (about 8–10 cloves), peeled and mashed

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped

Additional flour or cornmeal for dusting

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast.

I stir in the warm water, mashed roasted garlic, and chopped rosemary until a shaggy dough forms.

I cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours.

When I’m ready to bake, I preheat my oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven (or heavy pot with lid) inside to heat.

I turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and shape it into a ball using floured hands or a bench scraper.

I let the dough rest uncovered for 30 minutes while the Dutch oven finishes heating.

Carefully, I remove the Dutch oven from the oven, place the dough inside (seam side up), cover it, and bake for 30 minutes.

I remove the lid and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown.

I transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 13 hours (includes rising time)

Servings: 12 slices

Calories: Approximately 160 kcal per slice

Variations

I sometimes substitute thyme or oregano for rosemary for a different herbal flavor.

Adding sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives brings a Mediterranean twist.

For a cheesy version, I mix in ½ cup of shredded parmesan or sharp cheddar.

If I’m short on time, I use instant yeast and let the dough rise for just 3–4 hours (though the flavor won’t be as deep).

Storage/Reheating

I store the bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I freeze it sliced in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, I toast slices in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes or pop them into the toaster for a quick refresh.

FAQs

How do I roast the garlic for this bread?

I slice the top off a garlic bulb, drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast it at 400°F for about 40 minutes until soft and golden.

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Yes, I use 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary if I don’t have fresh. The flavor is more concentrated, so I reduce the amount.

Do I have to use a Dutch oven?

A Dutch oven works best for that crusty finish, but I’ve also used a heavy pot with a tight lid or even a cast-iron skillet covered tightly with foil.

Can I speed up the rise time?

Yes, I use instant yeast and let the dough rise for 3–4 hours at room temperature. However, the longer fermentation (12–18 hours) gives better flavor and texture.

Why is my bread dense or gummy?

That usually means the dough wasn’t baked long enough or cooled fully. I always let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to avoid a gummy center.

Conclusion

This easy roasted garlic rosemary artisan bread has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but couldn’t be simpler to make. With its crusty exterior, chewy interior, and bold yet balanced flavor, it’s the kind of bread that makes every meal feel a little more special.

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