Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread 🍞🌿🧄
If you’ve ever dreamed of baking your own artisan-style bread at home without the hassle of kneading, this Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread is your answer. With a crispy golden crust, soft airy interior, and fragrant flavors of rosemary and garlic, this bread tastes like it came straight from a bakery. Best of all, it requires minimal effort and no kneading—just mix, rest, and bake!
Why You’ll Love This Bread
- ✅ No kneading required – perfect for beginners.
- ✅ Artisan quality with little effort.
- ✅ Infused with herbs and garlic for irresistible flavor.
- ✅ Simple ingredients – flour, yeast, water, herbs, garlic.
- ✅ Versatile – great with soups, pasta, or as sandwich bread.
Ingredients 🛒
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps yeast activate)
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, sugar, garlic, and rosemary. Add yeast and warm water. Mix with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
Step 2: Let It Rest
Allow dough to rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours. This slow fermentation builds flavor and creates the airy texture of artisan bread.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
After resting, the dough will be sticky and bubbly. Turn it out onto a floured surface and gently shape into a round loaf. Let it rest for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Place a Dutch oven (or heavy oven-safe pot with lid) inside the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes.
Step 5: Bake
Carefully place dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden and crusty.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Remove bread from pot and let cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy with butter, olive oil, or alongside your favorite meal.
Chef Tips 👨🍳
Chef Gordon Ramsay: “Always let the dough rest long enough. The fermentation is what gives this bread its depth of flavor.”
Ina Garten: “Brush the loaf with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt before baking for extra flavor and presentation.”
Bobby Flay: “For smoky depth, roast the garlic beforehand and fold it into the dough—it transforms the bread.”
Nutrition & Health Benefits 🥦
Homemade bread is healthier than store-bought since you control the ingredients. Here’s the approximate nutrition per slice (based on 12 slices):
| Nutrient | Per Slice | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130 kcal | Light energy source |
| Protein | 4 g | Supports satiety |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g | Provides quick energy |
| Fiber | 1 g | Aids digestion |
| Total Fat | 2 g | From olive oil and garlic |
| Sodium | 250 mg | Enhances flavor and balance |
Health & Safety Tips ⚠️
- Use a Dutch oven or heavy pot to trap steam for that bakery-style crust.
- Always preheat your pot—this ensures proper oven spring.
- Handle hot Dutch oven carefully with oven mitts to avoid burns.
- Let bread cool at least 20 minutes before slicing to avoid gummy texture.
- Store leftover bread in a cloth bag or wrapped in foil to maintain crust.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
- Serve warm with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
- Pair with creamy soups like tomato basil soup.
- Use as sandwich bread with roasted vegetables or meats.
- Toast slices and top with avocado, hummus, or cheese.
- Make rustic garlic bread by brushing with butter and broiling briefly.
FAQs About Rustic No-Knead Bread ❓
1. Do I really need a Dutch oven?
No, but it gives the best results. You can also bake on a sheet pan with a tray of water in the oven to create steam.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, substitute up to half with whole wheat flour for a denser, heartier loaf.
3. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, use the same amount. The rise time will still be long for flavor development.
4. Can I add other herbs?
Yes, thyme, oregano, or basil make great additions.
5. How long does it stay fresh?
Best eaten within 2–3 days. Freeze slices for longer storage.
6. Can I speed up the rise?
You can reduce rise time to 3–4 hours with more yeast, but flavor will be less developed.
7. Can I roast the garlic first?
Yes, roasted garlic gives a sweeter, richer flavor.
8. How do I get a crispier crust?
Bake uncovered for the last 15 minutes and allow the bread to cool on a rack.
9. Is this bread gluten-free?
No, it uses all-purpose flour. For gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but bake in two loaves or larger Dutch oven for even baking.
More Homemade Bread Recipes 🍞
Explore our artisan bread recipes, garlic bread ideas, and no-knead bread recipes for more inspiration.
Final Thoughts
This Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread is proof that baking artisan bread doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a bakery-quality loaf at home. Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and infused with garlic and rosemary—it’s the ultimate comfort food. Serve it with soups, pasta, or simply enjoy with butter. 🍞🌿🧄
