Garlic rosemary bread recipe

This Garlic Rosemary Bread is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will elevate any meal. The aromatic essence of roasted garlic and the freshness of rosemary create a savory and herbaceous profile that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, from soups to salads and even as a side to your favorite meats. This bread is not just a culinary delight but also carries a hint of cultural significance, reminiscent of traditional artisanal breads that have been passed down through generations. The process of making this bread is straightforward and rewarding, requiring minimal effort but yielding a crusty, chewy loaf that is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• For the Roasted Garlic:

  • 1 head garlic
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste

• For the Bread:

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 100°F)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh chopped rosemary
  • 8-10 roasted garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  • 3 cups (360 grams) All-Purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Roast the Garlic:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Cut the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt.
   • Wrap the garlic in foil and roast for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cloves are tender and caramelized.
   • Let the garlic cool, then squeeze the cloves out of their skins and chop them roughly.

2. Mix the Dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey or sugar. Stir gently to dissolve the yeast.
   • Add the flour, Kosher salt, and chopped rosemary to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
   • Add the olive oil and mix until the dough comes together in a sticky ball.

3. Knead the Dough:

• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
• Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning the dough to coat evenly with oil.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.

4. Shape the Dough:

   • Punch down the dough and shape it into a round or oblong loaf.
   • Place the loaf onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space around the loaf.

5. Proof the Dough:

   • Cover the loaf with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it proof in a warm place for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size again.

6. Bake the Bread:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Bake the bread for about 25-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

7. Cool the Bread:
   • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Top Tips:

1. Use Fresh Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds a more vibrant flavor to the bread. If using dried rosemary, reduce the amount to about half.
2. Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread.
3. Let it Rise: The second rise is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the bread.
4. Score the Loaf: Before baking, lightly score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to help it expand evenly.
5. Cool Properly: Cooling the bread properly helps it retain its texture and flavor.

Variations:

1. Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add some grated cheese (like Parmesan or Cheddar) to the dough for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Herby Twist: Mix in some chopped thyme or oregano along with the rosemary for a unique herbal flavor.
3. Garlic Scapes: Use garlic scapes instead of regular garlic for a milder flavor.
4. Sourdough Version: Replace the active dry yeast with sourdough starter for a tangier, more complex flavor.
5. Crusty Crumb: For an extra crispy crust, bake the bread at a higher temperature (450°F) for the first 10 minutes before reducing it to 375°F for the remaining baking time.

Nutritional Guide:

Additional Nutritional Notes: This bread is relatively high in carbohydrates due to the flour content, but it is also a good source of fiber and protein from the yeast and rosemary. The garlic adds a significant amount of vitamin C and antioxidants. Enjoy your homemade Garlic Rosemary Bread as a side dish or use it to make delicious sandwiches and toast