Rustic Rosemary Artisan Bread Recipe

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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:

  1. 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).

  1. 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.

  1. Preheat Oven and Skillet:
    • Place a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C).

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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:

  1. Herb Variations: Swap out rosemary for other fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or oregano for different flavor profiles.

  1. Cheese Addition: Incorporate shredded cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, into the dough for a cheesy twist.

  1. Olive or Sun-Dried Tomato: Add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the dough for added flavor and texture.

  1. Garlic Infusion: Mix in minced garlic or roasted garlic for a savory garlic bread variation.

  1. Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread.

  1. Nuts and Seeds: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or seeds like sesame or sunflower seeds for crunch.

  1. 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:

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh herbs and quality flour for the best flavor.

  1. Knead Properly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This helps develop the gluten, giving your bread a good structure.

  1. Let It Rise: Allow the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This can take about 1-2 hours.

  1. Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking to ensure even cooking.

  1. Steam for Crust: Place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam, which helps develop a crusty exterior.

  1. Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing to maintain its texture.

  1. 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:

  1. Cool Completely: Make sure the bread is completely cooled on a wire rack before storing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup.

  1. Wrap It Up: Once cooled, wrap the bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.

  1. Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, store it at room temperature in a cool, dry place.

  1. 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.

  1. 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!

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