There’s something magical about baking bread at home. The warm, golden crust, the inviting aroma of garlic and rosemary, and the soft, chewy texture make this Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread an absolute must-try. Best of all, this no-knead bread requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.

I first made this bread on a chilly weekend, craving something homemade but without the hassle of kneading. The result? A crusty, artisan-style loaf that was so easy yet so impressive. It pairs beautifully with soups, pasta, or simply a drizzle of olive oil.

Why You’ll Love This Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

• No kneading required – Just mix, let it rise, and bake!
• Deep, rich flavors – The long fermentation time creates an artisan-style taste.
• Versatile and easy – Perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or serving alongside hearty meals.
• Crispy crust, soft interior – Thanks to the cast iron skillet, the texture is unbeatable.

Ingredients You’ll Need Rosemary Garlic Bread

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or ½ tablespoon dried rosemary)
• 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
• ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 ½ cups room-temperature water
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal (for the skillet, optional)

Pro Tip:

Fresh rosemary gives the best flavor, but if using dried, reduce the amount by half since it’s more concentrated.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Rosemary Garlic Bread

1. Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, and yeast. Slowly pour in the water, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. This should take about 30 seconds.

2. First Rise (18-24 Hours)

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 18-24 hours. During this time, it will develop a deep flavor and bubbles will form on the surface, showing that the yeast is active.

3. Prepare the Skillet

When ready to bake, lightly grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet with oil or nonstick spray. Sprinkle cornmeal in the skillet to prevent sticking and add extra texture to the crust.

4. Shape the Dough

Gently transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, fold the edges under to form a round loaf. Avoid overhandling—it should stay light and airy.

5. Second Rise (2 Hours)

Place the shaped dough in the prepared skillet, cover it with a clean dish towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 2 hours. The dough should double in size and hold an indentation when lightly poked.

6. Preheat the Oven

Toward the end of the rise time, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high heat ensures a crisp, golden crust.

7. Bake the Bread

Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

Pro Tip: For an extra-crispy crust, place a separate pan of ice cubes on the oven floor to create steam.

8. Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the skillet for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the interior set properly. Serve warm with butter, olive oil, or your favorite spreads.

Pairing Ideas for Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

This flavorful bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes:

• Dips & Oils – Enjoy with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or garlic butter.
• Soups & Stews – Perfect for dipping into creamy tomato soup or a rich beef stew.
• Pasta Dishes – Serve alongside fettuccine Alfredo, spaghetti Bolognese, or lasagna.
• Cheese Boards – Slice it up and pair with cheeses, olives, and cured meats.

Tips & Variations

Try a Different Flour

• Whole Wheat Flour – Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a heartier texture.
• Bread Flour – Creates a slightly chewier bread with a crispier crust.

Experiment with Herbs

• Thyme or Oregano – Great substitutes for rosemary.
• Basil or Sage – For a milder, slightly sweet flavor.

Add Extra Ingredients to Rosemary Garlic Bread

• Parmesan Cheese – Mix in ½ cup shredded Parmesan for a cheesy upgrade.
• Chopped Olives – Add ¼ cup finely chopped Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist.
• Roasted Garlic – Instead of raw garlic, use roasted garlic for a deeper, caramelized flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Chocolate Banana Oat Muffins – Moist and healthy muffins combining ripe bananas, oats, and rich chocolate chips, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
• Honey Banana Oat Cake – A naturally sweetened cake blending ripe bananas, fiber-rich oats, and the natural goodness of honey for a wholesome dessert.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle – A decadent fusion of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and sweet bananas, layered with whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
• Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread – A tropical twist on classic banana bread, incorporating juicy pineapple and shredded coconut for extra flavor and moisture.
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread – A moist and spiced bread studded with rich chocolate chips, offering a delightful flavor perfect for fall mornings or dessert.

If you’re looking for even more delicious and creative recipe ideas, be sure to check out this great resource for inspiration: Strawberry Banana Pudding Recipe.

Try This Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Today!

I hope you love baking this Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread as much as I do! It’s an easy, no-knead recipe that brings artisan flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and pin this recipe on Pinterest to save for later. Happy baking!

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