Rustic Rosemary Artisan Bread is crusty on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and filled with the warm, earthy aroma of fresh rosemary. With its golden crackled crust and tender crumb, this loaf looks bakery-made but is surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
It’s perfect alongside soups, stews, pasta dishes, or simply sliced warm with butter and a drizzle of olive oil.
Yield and Timing
Makes 1 large loaf
Prep time: 15 minutes
Rise time: 1½–2 hours
Bake time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Optional: coarse sea salt for topping
Preparation
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add flour, salt, olive oil, and chopped rosemary. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and shape into a round loaf. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a lightly floured Dutch oven. Cover loosely and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
If desired, lightly score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Allow to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Rustic Rosemary Artisan Bread pairs beautifully with:
- Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
- Creamy soups
- Roasted meats
- Cheese boards
It’s also delicious toasted the next day.
Storage
Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in the oven to refresh the crust.
Why This Bread Is So Special
The high baking temperature creates a crisp, crackly crust while the inside stays soft and airy. Rosemary adds a fragrant, savory note that makes this loaf stand out from plain white bread.
Rustic Rosemary Artisan Bread is simple, wholesome, and deeply satisfying—just the way homemade bread should be.
Enjoy !!
