Introduction:
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. This rosemary artisan bread is a perfect blend of soft, chewy texture and flavorful herbs, making it a fantastic addition to any meal or simply enjoyed on its own with olive oil.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1 1/4 cups warm water
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra sprigs for topping)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for dough and brushing)
Coarse sea salt for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, yeast, and chopped rosemary.
Gradually add warm water and mix until a sticky dough forms.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 8–12 hours (overnight works best).
Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, lightly flour a surface and your hands.
Gently shape the dough into a round loaf without overworking it.
Preheat Oven and Skillet:
Place a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C).
Prepare for Baking:
Carefully transfer the dough into the preheated skillet.
Drizzle olive oil on top and sprinkle with coarse sea salt and additional rosemary sprigs.
Bake the Bread:
Cover with a lid or foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing.
Serve with olive oil, butter, or your favorite spreads.
Here are some variations you can try with your rosemary artisan bread:
Herb Variations: Swap out rosemary for other fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or oregano for different flavor profiles.
Cheese Addition: Incorporate shredded cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, into the dough for a cheesy twist.
Olive or Sun-Dried Tomato: Add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the dough for added flavor and texture.
Garlic Infusion: Mix in minced garlic or roasted garlic for a savory garlic bread variation.
Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread.
Nuts and Seeds: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or seeds like sesame or sunflower seeds for crunch.
Sweet Variation: For a sweeter bread, add a bit of honey or sugar and mix in dried fruits like cranberries or apricots.
Here are some tips for making your rosemary artisan bread even better:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh herbs and quality flour for the best flavor.
Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, giving your bread a good structure.
Let It Rise: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This can take about 1-2 hours.
Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking to ensure even cooking.
Steam for Crust: Place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam, which helps develop a crusty exterior.
Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing to maintain its texture.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add other herbs or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
Here are some tips on how to store your rosemary artisan bread:
Cool Completely: Make sure the bread is completely cooled on a wire rack before storing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup.
Wrap It Up: Once cooled, wrap the bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, store it at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy it, reheat the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to refresh it.
Enjoy this hearty and aromatic bread, perfect for dipping, pairing with soups, or as a standalone treat!
