Imagine pulling a golden, aromatic loaf of bread from your oven, its rustic crust crackling and the fragrant rosemary filling your kitchen with an irresistible Mediterranean aroma. This isn't just any bread - this is a homemade masterpiece that will transform your baking skills and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, our Fluffy Rosemary Rustic Bread recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality results that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure the rosemary is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- In a separate small bowl, activate the yeast by mixing 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast with 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C). Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Once the yeast is activated, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Gently knead it for a minute to shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased loaf pan.
- Cover the dough again with a towel and let it rise for an additional 20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Once the oven is preheated, bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This will help the texture set and make it easier to cut.
- Enjoy your fluffy rosemary rustic bread warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a drizzle of olive oil or a spread of your choice.
Tips
- Water Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is precisely warm (110°F) to activate the yeast without killing it. Too hot, and you'll destroy the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
- Kneading Technique: Don't rush the kneading process. A full 8-10 minutes develops the gluten, giving your bread that sought-after fluffy texture.
- Rising Environment: Find a warm, draft-free spot for your dough to rise. A slightly warmed oven (turned off) or near a sunny window works perfectly.
- Fresh Rosemary Boost: While the recipe uses dried rosemary, you can enhance flavor by adding some fresh rosemary leaves for an extra aromatic touch.
- Crust Perfection: For an even more golden crust, brush the top with an egg wash or olive oil before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
