Homemade Garlic Rosemary Bread Recipe
Introduction
Homemade Garlic Rosemary Bread is a fragrant and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any meal. With fresh rosemary and garlic infused into a soft, chewy dough, this bread brings warmth and aroma to your kitchen. Baking it yourself is simpler than you might think!

Ingredients
- 3½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups (360ml) warm water
- 2¼ tsp (7g) active dry yeast
- 1½ tsp (9g) salt
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: Activate the yeast by combining warm water and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 3: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Step 5: Punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Step 6: Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Step 7: Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Step 8: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- For a deeper garlic flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the dough.
- Try adding a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the dough for extra richness.
- If you don’t have fresh rosemary, use 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary, but reduce the amount slightly to avoid bitterness.
- Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle coarse sea salt before baking for a crunchy crust.
Storage
Store the bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. To reheat, toast slices or warm the loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, bread flour can be used for a chewier texture and better rise, though all-purpose flour works well for this recipe too.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The crust should be golden brown and the loaf will sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Using a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).
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Homemade Garlic Rosemary Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
Description
This Homemade Garlic Rosemary Bread recipe produces a fragrant, flavorful loaf with a crisp crust and soft, airy interior. Infused with fresh rosemary and minced garlic, it’s perfect as a savory side for any meal or a delicious base for sandwiches. The bread is made from scratch using simple ingredients, combining traditional yeast dough preparation with a two-stage rising process to develop excellent texture and taste.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp (9g) salt
- 2¼ tsp (7g) active dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1½ cups (360ml) warm water
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
Flavorings
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Combine the warm water and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary. Stir everything until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it vigorously for about 10 minutes until it turns smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough to release the gas. Shape it into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped loaf with a towel and let it rise again for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Score and bake: Using a sharp knife, score the top of the loaf to allow steam to escape. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow the interior to set.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- For extra flavor, brush the loaf with olive oil before and after baking.
- If you want a softer crust, cover the bread with a clean towel after baking while it cools.
- You can substitute fresh rosemary with dried rosemary but use about 1 tablespoon.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: garlic rosemary bread, homemade bread, yeast bread, savory bread, Italian bread, rosemary bread, garlic bread

