Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

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Introduction

If you love warm, freshly baked bread with the irresistible aroma of garlic and rosemary, then Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is the perfect recipe for you. This savory bread combines the comfort and warmth of homemade bread with the bold, aromatic flavors of garlic and rosemary. Cooked in a skillet, it creates a beautifully crispy crust while maintaining a soft, fluffy interior. Whether served as an accompaniment to soups, stews, or enjoyed on its own with a bit of olive oil, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home.

In this article, we’ll explore the magic behind Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread, provide a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make it, and offer tips and variations for making this recipe your own. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a rustic loaf with a delicious, herb-infused twist that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of garlic and rosemary gives this bread a savory, aromatic flavor that will delight your taste buds.
• Crispy Exterior, Soft Interior: The skillet method ensures a golden, crispy crust while keeping the inside of the bread soft and airy.
• Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and simple techniques, this bread comes together quickly, even for novice bakers.
• Versatile: Serve it as a side dish with your favorite meals, use it to make sandwiches, or enjoy it on its own with a drizzle of olive oil.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and rosemary to suit your taste or try different herbs to create variations of this recipe.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 3 hours (1 hour for prep, 1 hour for proofing, 30 minutes for cooking, 30 minutes for resting)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 8 servings, depending on how thick you slice the bread.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 220, Protein: 6g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 7g.

Ingredients

For the Bread Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the bread dough, providing structure and softness.
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast: Essential for leavening the dough and helping it rise.
• 1 tablespoon sugar: To help activate the yeast and enhance the flavor of the bread.
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt: To season the dough and balance the flavors.
• 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C): To dissolve the yeast and help it activate.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps with the dough’s texture.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides the signature garlic flavor that infuses the bread.
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped: Adds a fragrant herbal note that complements the garlic beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the skillet): To prevent the bread from sticking to the skillet while baking.

Optional Garnish:

• Extra fresh rosemary sprigs: For garnishing the bread before serving.
• Olive oil: Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the bread for added flavor and a glossy finish.
• Sea salt: A sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top enhances the flavor and adds a slight crunch to the crust.

Step-by-Step

Preparation

FIRST STEP: ACTIVATING THE YEAST

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly. This indicates that the yeast is activated and ready to use.

SECOND STEP: PREPARING THE DOUGH

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This will ensure that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough, which helps to balance the flavors.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is foamy, add the olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary into the yeast mixture. Stir to combine the wet ingredients.
3. Form the Dough: Gradually pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring continuously to incorporate. Once the dough begins to come together, use your hands to knead it in the bowl for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
4. First Rise: Lightly oil another bowl, place the dough in it, and cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. You can preheat your oven slightly and turn it off, then place the bowl inside for a warm, draft-free environment.

THIRD STEP: SHAPING THE DOUGH

1. Deflate the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round or oval loaf, depending on your preference.
2. Prepare the Skillet: Lightly oil a 10-inch cast-iron skillet (or any oven-safe skillet) with the remaining olive oil. Place the shaped dough into the skillet, pressing it down slightly so it fits comfortably. Cover the skillet with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until it has puffed up slightly.

FOURTH STEP: COOKING THE BREAD

1. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is undergoing its second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the bread will bake evenly and thoroughly once it’s placed in the oven.
2. Bake the Bread: Once the dough has risen, place the skillet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The garlic and rosemary aroma will fill your kitchen as it bakes, making it even more tempting.
3. Cool the Bread: Once the bread is done, remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before removing the bread from the skillet. Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool slightly. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy as it cools.

FINAL STEP: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Garnish: Drizzle the warm bread with a little olive oil and sprinkle with a few extra fresh rosemary sprigs for added flavor and visual appeal. You can also sprinkle some coarse sea salt on top for a touch of crunch.
2. Slice and Serve: Slice the bread into thick wedges and serve while it’s still warm. It’s delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a side of your favorite soup, salad, or even as a base for sandwiches.

How to Serve Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is a versatile and flavorful bread that pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:

1. As a Side for Soups and Stews

The hearty, flavorful bread is the perfect companion to a bowl of warm soup or stew. It’s great for dipping into creamy soups like tomato or potato leek soup or pairing with a rich stew like beef bourguignon or chicken casserole.

2. With Cheese and Charcuterie

Slice the bread and serve it with a selection of cheeses and cured meats for an elegant and rustic appetizer. The garlic and rosemary flavors pair particularly well with sharp cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even a creamy goat cheese.

3. As a Sandwich Base

Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread makes an excellent base for sandwiches. Whether you’re creating a veggie-filled sandwich with fresh greens and hummus or a hearty chicken sandwich, the bread adds a delicious layer of flavor that will elevate any sandwich.

4. On Its Own with Olive Oil

Sometimes, the simplest way to enjoy this bread is to serve it warm with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. The richness of the oil enhances the rosemary and garlic flavors, creating an irresistible bite.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Herbs: For the best flavor, use fresh rosemary and garlic. Dried herbs can be used, but fresh herbs provide a more vibrant taste.
2. Try Different Herbs: While rosemary is a classic pairing with garlic, feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for a different twist on the recipe.
3. Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dough for a spicy kick.
4. Use Whole Wheat Flour: For a heartier, more rustic flavor, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add extra fiber and a slightly nutty taste.

Recipe Variations

While this Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize the recipe to suit your preferences:

1. Cheesy Garlic Rosemary Bread

Add shredded cheese, such as parmesan or mozzarella, to the dough for a cheesy version of this flavorful bread. You can sprinkle cheese on top of the bread before baking for a golden, cheesy crust.

2. Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

For an Mediterranean-inspired twist, mix in chopped Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes into the dough. These ingredients will infuse the bread with an irresistible savory depth.

3. Vegan Option

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the olive oil for a plant-based oil like avocado oil and skip the honey if using. The bread will still be soft, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftovers, Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread stores well and can be frozen for later use:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: To freeze, slice the bread and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm the slices in the oven or toaster for a few minutes to restore the crispy crust.

Special Equipment

While you don’t need many special tools to make this bread, a few items will help streamline the process:

• Cast-Iron Skillet: A 10-inch cast-iron skillet works perfectly for creating the golden, crispy crust.
• Mixing Bowls: Use a large bowl to combine the dry ingredients and a smaller bowl for the wet ingredients.
• Kitchen Towel: Keep a damp towel handy to cover the dough during its rising stages to prevent it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes! You can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Just add it directly to the dry ingredients without needing to activate it in water.
2. How can I make this bread softer? For a softer loaf, try adding a bit more olive oil or even some milk or yogurt to the dough. This will create a more tender crumb.
3. Can I make this bread ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight for a slow rise. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
4. What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise? If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to inactive yeast or a cold environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh and give the dough a warmer place to rise, such as near a heating vent or in an oven with the light on.

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Conclusion

Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is a delicious, easy-to-make loaf that brings the best of both rustic baking and savory flavor combinations. With its crispy exterior, soft interior, and aromatic garlic-rosemary blend, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your home. Whether paired with soups, served as a sandwich base, or enjoyed on its own, it’s a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal. Try making it today and enjoy the perfect balance of warm, hearty flavors in every bite!