Name: Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 10 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head garlic; Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling); Coarse sea salt (for seasoning); Freshly ground black pepper (for seasoning); 1½ cups water (room temperature); 1 teaspoon active dry yeast; 3 cups bread or all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons finely chopped rosemary (plus extra for topping); Extra-virgin olive oil (to mix with garlic and dough, approximately 1 tablespoon)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 2 reviews

If you’re craving a bread that’s bursting with the cozy, aromatic flavors of herbs and roasted garlic, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread Recipe. It’s the kind of loaf that fills your kitchen with an irresistible scent, delivers a crust that’s perfectly crunchy, and offers a gorgeously tender crumb infused with the subtle earthiness of rosemary and the mellow sweetness of slow-roasted garlic. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting your feet wet, this recipe is a beautiful way to bring a touch of rustic warmth to your table and impress anyone lucky enough to share a slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with a light beige, foamy liquid with bubbles on the surface. The liquid appears creamy and smooth with small uneven patches of foam scattered across. Next to the bowl, on a white marbled surface, is a small ceramic bowl or cup with a light beige and gray speckled pattern. The scene is simple and clean with soft lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread Recipe is straightforward but plays a vital role in crafting that dreamy loaf. From the fragrant rosemary to the bubbly yeast, each element works together for flavor, texture, and that golden finish.

Garlic (1 head): Roasting transforms garlic into a sweet, buttery spread that flavors the dough beautifully.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and moisture while enhancing the bread’s flavor.
Coarse sea salt: Used for seasoning the garlic before roasting to bring out its sweetness and for the dough to balance flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to complement the garlic’s sweetness.
Water (1½ cups, room temperature): Essential for activating the yeast and hydrating the dough for a soft crumb.
Active dry yeast (1 teaspoon): Powers the rise and light texture of the bread.
Bread or all-purpose flour (3 cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Adds a mild herbal depth that pairs perfectly with rosemary.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor complexity and strengthens gluten for good rise and texture.
Finely chopped rosemary (2 teaspoons, plus extra for topping): The star herb that infuses each bite with that signature earthy aroma and flavor.

How to Make Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Slice your garlic head in half horizontally and place it cut side up on foil. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then season with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Wrap the garlic tightly in the foil and roast for around 40 minutes. When it’s done, the cloves will be soft, golden, and fragrant—perfect for mashing into the dough later.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

While the garlic roasts, combine your active dry yeast with the room temperature water in a bowl. Set it aside for 10 to 15 minutes, until the surface becomes frothy and bubbly. This is your yeast waking up and ready to work its magic.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate, large bowl, whisk together your flour, dried oregano, kosher salt, and finely chopped rosemary. These dry ingredients will provide the structure and flavor base for your artisan bread.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, gently squeeze the soft cloves out of their skins and mash them with a bit of olive oil. Fold this garlicky mixture into the frothy yeast water, then pour everything into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, combine until just mixed—you want to see a shaggy, sticky dough forming.

Step 5: First Rise

Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it sit in a warm spot for 8 to 10 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. This slow rise enhances flavor and gives those lovely air pockets in your bread.

Step 6: Shape and Refrigerate

Flour your work surface lightly and turn the dough out. Shape it gently into a round ball, then place it seam side up in a floured bowl. Cover it and pop it into the refrigerator overnight or for up to 48 hours. This cold fermentation builds even deeper flavor and helps with the crust development.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

About an hour before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place your Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot inside to heat up. This step ensures the perfect environment for your artisan loaf to bake with steam, encouraging a crisp crust.

Step 8: Final Shaping and Scoring

Remove the dough from the fridge and carefully flip it onto parchment paper, seam side down this time. Using a sharp knife or bread lame, score the top of the dough with a few shallow slashes. This helps control how your bread expands while baking and gives it that beautiful handmade look.

Step 9: Bake Your Loaf

Carefully transfer the dough (on the parchment) into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover it with the lid and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the lid to bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes until your bread is a deep golden brown. The steam trapped inside the covered pot creates that signature crust.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, transfer your bread to a wire rack to cool completely. This step allows the crumb to set properly so each slice holds together perfectly, just waiting to be enjoyed fresh or toasted.

How to Serve Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread Recipe

A round loaf of bread with a golden-brown crust and a rustic, cracked surface showing soft, airy white bread inside, topped with fresh green rosemary leaves scattered unevenly on top. The crust has a lightly dusted flour texture and darker toasted spots, giving it a homemade look against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few fresh rosemary leaves over the top right before serving to amplify that aromatic punch. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also add extra flavor and texture that will thrill your taste buds.

Side Dishes

This artisan bread is a dream alongside soups and stews, especially those with earthy or tomato-based flavors. Think creamy tomato basil soup, roasted vegetable stew, or a warm lentil soup. It also pairs beautifully with a cheese board featuring sharp cheddars, brie, or a tangy goat cheese for a perfect casual gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn slices of this bread into crostini topped with ricotta and honey or bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Or hollow out a loaf and use it as a rustic bread bowl filled with your favorite warm dips or chowders, making the presentation as delightful as the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover rosemary and roasted garlic artisan bread tightly in a clean linen towel or place it in a breathable bread bag to keep the crust crisp. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days to enjoy its freshness without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save it longer, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight bag. When you’re ready, you can toast the slices straight from the freezer for a fresh-baked taste anytime you crave that herb-infused goodness.

Reheating

To revive the bread’s amazing crust and warmth, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface and pop it into a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This simple trick will bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.

FAQs

Can I use fresh garlic instead of roasting a whole head?

While fresh garlic can be added, roasting a whole head mellows its harshness and brings out a sweet, buttery flavor that really makes this bread special. Using fresh garlic might impart a sharper, more pungent taste.

What kind of flour is best for this bread?

Either bread flour or all-purpose flour works well. Bread flour provides a bit more chew and structure due to its higher protein content, but all-purpose flour also yields a delicious, tender crumb if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I speed up the rising process?

You can use warm water for faster yeast activation and place the dough in a warmer spot to speed up rising, but slow fermentation develops richer flavor and better texture. Patience really pays off with this recipe.

Do I need a Dutch oven to bake this bread?

Using a Dutch oven or heavy covered pot creates steam which is key to a crusty loaf, but if you don’t have one, placing a pan of hot water on the oven floor while baking can help mimic steam and still yield good results.

How long will this bread stay fresh?

The bread is best enjoyed within 2 days when stored properly at room temperature. After that, it might start to lose its freshness but freezing slices can keep it delicious for much longer.

Final Thoughts

Making this Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Artisan Bread Recipe is such a rewarding experience, not just because of the stunning loaf you’ll have at the end, but because of the comforting memories it creates in your kitchen. There’s nothing quite like sharing warm, freshly baked bread with friends and family, especially one that tastes as incredible as this. I promise once you try it, it’ll become a cherished favorite you’ll turn to time and again.