Imagine the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, infused with the rich, savory notes of roasted garlic and the earthy essence of rosemary. This Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Bread isn’t just any loaf; it’s a culinary masterpiece that will elevate your meals and impress your guests. Whether you're slathering it with butter, pairing it with your favorite soup, or enjoying it on its own, this bread is sure to become a staple in your home. Ready to embark on a delicious baking adventure? Let’s dive into the recipe that will make your taste buds dance!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 head garlic, roasted
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will be the temperature for roasting the garlic.
- To roast the garlic, take a head of garlic and slice off the top to expose the cloves. Drizzle with a little olive oil and wrap it in aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
- While the garlic is roasting, prepare the bread dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
- In a separate 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). Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Once the yeast is activated, pour it into the flour mixture. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the roasted garlic (squeezed out of its skin) into the bowl. Use a fork or your hands to combine the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- After kneading, form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh rosemary and knead it into the dough until evenly distributed.
- Shape the dough into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and then rolling it up tightly. Pinch the seams to seal and place the loaf seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise again for about 30 minutes, or until it has puffed up slightly.
- While the loaf is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for baking the bread.
- Once the loaf has risen, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your homemade Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Bread fresh, or store it in an airtight container for later use.
Tips
- Perfectly Roasted Garlic: For the best flavor, make sure to roast your garlic until it's soft and caramelized. This will enhance its sweetness and make it easier to blend into the dough.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself. This technique helps develop the gluten for a better rise.
- Warm Rising Environment: To create a warm environment for the dough to rise, you can place it in an oven that’s turned off but has the light on. This will provide just the right amount of warmth.
- Checking Doneness: To ensure your bread is baked perfectly, tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it’s done! If not, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store your bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to slice it before freezing for easy access!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
