No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread is an easy, flavorful bread perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. This rustic bread, with its fragrant rosemary and garlicky aroma, has a golden, crispy crust and a soft, airy interior. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—no kneading is required! Instead, the dough rises slowly, allowing the flavors to develop naturally. This bread pairs wonderfully with pasta, soups, or as a base for your favorite sandwich. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a bakery-quality bread in your own kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add the chopped rosemary and minced garlic, stirring to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Pour in the warm water and mix until a sticky dough forms. It should be a bit shaggy and wet—this is normal for a no-knead bread.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
- Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours, or until it has doubled in size and has a bubbly surface.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dough
- About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Place a Dutch oven (or heavy oven-safe pot with a lid) inside the oven to preheat.
- Flour your hands and gently scrape the dough from the bowl onto a floured surface. Shape it into a rough ball—no kneading is needed here.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
- Carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven from the oven, and line it with a piece of parchment paper for easy removal.
- Place the dough ball into the Dutch oven, and lightly brush the top with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Carefully transfer the bread to a cooling rack and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
- Slice and enjoy the fragrant, warm bread with butter or olive oil.
Nutrition Facts (Per Slice, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Total Fat | 2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast. Simply dissolve it in a few tablespoons of the warm water before adding it to the flour mixture. Note that the rise time may be slightly longer.
Q2: Can I add other herbs or flavors?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different herbs like thyme, sage, or oregano. Sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or grated Parmesan also make great additions to this bread.
Q3: What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
You can use any heavy, oven-safe pot with a lid. If you don’t have a lid, cover the pot with foil for the first 30 minutes, then remove it for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Q4: How can I make this bread gluten-free?
To make this bread gluten-free, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly, and additional binding agents like xanthan gum might be needed for optimal structure.
Q5: Can I speed up the rising time?
If you’re short on time, place the dough in a warm (not hot) spot. However, the slow rise allows the flavors to develop, so if you can, let it rise for the full 12-18 hours.
Tips for Making the Perfect No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh rosemary and garlic provide the best flavor, but dried rosemary also works if fresh isn’t available. Adjust quantities if using dried herbs as they are more concentrated.
- Warm Water: The water should be warm, around 100°F (38°C), to help the yeast activate without killing it.
- Patience for Rising: Letting the dough rise slowly at room temperature enhances the texture and taste. Avoid rushing this step for the best results.
- Preheating the Dutch Oven: Preheating the Dutch oven is essential to achieving a crispy crust. This mimics a bakery’s steam oven, helping the bread rise and develop a crunchy exterior.
- Experiment with Shapes: While this recipe makes a round loaf, you can also shape it into smaller rolls or a baguette. Adjust baking time accordingly.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Refrigerating is not recommended as it can dry out the bread. If you must refrigerate, warm it in the oven before serving to restore some of its softness.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread is an easy, satisfying recipe that requires minimal hands-on time, yet delivers bakery-quality results. The combination of rosemary and garlic brings a warmth and fragrance to the bread that’s hard to resist. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, a family gathering, or as a snack with a bit of olive oil. This recipe is ideal for anyone who wants to try homemade bread without the fuss of kneading. Enjoy the simple pleasure of baking and savor each bite of this delicious, aromatic bread.