If there’s one recipe you’ll find yourself returning to time and again for comfort, aroma, and pure joy, it’s this Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread. Imagine golden, crusty edges giving way to a soft, savory interior bursting with earthy rosemary and the sweet warmth of garlic — all made in just one pan. Whether you’re a bread-baking beginner or a kitchen veteran, this loaf is as rewarding to create as it is to share, making every meal feel special with hardly any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this bread shine is its simplicity! Each ingredient plays a starring role, balancing flavors and creating the signature texture that gives Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread its irresistible character. Here’s why every single one matters:
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of your bread, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: This quick-rise agent ensures your loaf gets the perfect lift — no yeast required.
- Salt: Don’t skip it! Salt brightens every other flavor, from the herbs to the olive oil.
- Fresh rosemary, chopped: Rosemary infuses each slice with its distinctive woodsy, aromatic vibe.
- Garlic, minced: When garlic meets heat, it develops a mellow, savory taste that dances through every bite.
- Water: Hydrates the dough, binding ingredients, so your loaf is moist but never heavy.
- Olive oil: Adds a hint of richness, deepens the crust’s golden hue, and helps keep things delightfully soft inside.
How to Make Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Skillet
Start by placing your favorite skillet — cast iron works wonders — over medium heat. Allowing it to warm up gives the bread an instant, beautiful sear once the dough hits the pan, helping form that irresistible, golden crust. Preheating is essential for the Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread to cook evenly from the bottom up.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, the freshly chopped rosemary, and that fragrant minced garlic. Stir with a spoon or whisk until you see specks of green and white evenly distributed. This simple blend is the secret to the signature taste of Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread — no fancy gear required!
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Now, pour in the water and olive oil slowly, stirring gently as you go. Mixing gradually helps you spot the moment a shaggy dough forms, which means you’re right on track. The olive oil will make the dough supple, and the water brings everything together without making things sticky or wet.
Step 4: Knead Briefly
Lightly flour your countertop, then transfer the dough from the bowl. Give it just about one minute of gentle kneading — enough to smooth it out but not so much to make it tough. You’ll love the feeling of the dough in your hands, infused with rosemary and garlic. Minimal kneading means your Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread keeps its tender, rustic charm.
Step 5: Shape and Cook the Bread
Shape the dough into a round loaf, aiming for a size that fits snugly in your preheated skillet. Place it directly in the pan and cover with a lid. Let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping it halfway through for an even, golden finish on both sides. That sizzling sound? Pure magic. The bread will puff, crisp, and fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
When the loaf looks perfectly golden, transfer it to a rack or cutting board to cool for just a few minutes. This little pause lets the steam settle, making slicing and serving much easier. Trust me, it’s worth the wait — the flavors in your Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread will be absolutely perfect!
How to Serve Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread
Garnishes
Give your fresh-baked bread a final flourish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of extra olive oil, or a dusting of fresh chopped rosemary. These little touches celebrate the flavors already in the Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread and make each slice feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with hearty soups like creamy tomato or minestrone, and it’s downright dreamy alongside a simple green salad tossed with lemon. Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is also ideal for mopping up flavorful stews and sauces — it truly transforms any meal into a cozy, rustic feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the loaf into thick wedges and serve with small bowls of olive oil and balsamic for dipping, or turn it into open-faced sandwiches with goat cheese and roasted veggies. For a crowd-pleaser, tear the bread into rustic chunks and add it to a charcuterie board with cured meats, nuts, and cheeses for a touch of homemade warmth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread, wrap it tightly in a clean kitchen towel or store in a bread bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the crumb moist and the crust from getting too tough. Avoid storing in the fridge, as bread can dry out faster there.
Freezing
For longer storage, let the bread cool completely, then wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and seal in a freezer bag. Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread freezes well for up to three months. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature — you’ll be amazed at how fresh it tastes!
Reheating
Bread is always best warm! Toast individual slices in a dry skillet or pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes. If reheating the entire loaf, gently wrap it in foil and warm in the oven for about 10 minutes to bring back that just-baked smell and soft texture.
FAQs
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh rosemary isn’t on hand, use about 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary in your Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread. The flavor will still sing, though the texture and color might be a touch different. Just give the dried rosemary a quick rub between your fingers to release its oils before adding.
What type of skillet is best?
A cast iron skillet is my first choice for this bread, as it creates the crispiest, most rustic crust. If you don’t have one, any heavy-bottomed, oven-safe pan with a lid will work just fine. You’ll still get lovely results, but keep an eye on the browning as you cook!
Is this bread vegan?
Yes, Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is naturally vegan thanks to the absence of dairy, eggs, or animal fats. Simple, wholesome ingredients mean more people around your table can enjoy a freshly baked slice.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
While this recipe is designed for quick mixing and cooking, you can prep the dough a couple of hours in advance and let it rest, covered, in the fridge. This resting time allows flavors to meld and can even make the bread slightly softer when baked.
What’s the best way to get an even crust?
For that perfect even crust, make sure your skillet is fully preheated and covered tightly during cooking. Flip the bread halfway through, and if you like, brush with a little extra olive oil before the final cook — this adds shine and unbeatable crunch to Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll give this Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread a try the next time you’re craving something homemade and heartwarming. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and share moments with the people you love. Happy baking!
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Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is a simple yet flavorful bread that pairs perfectly with soups, salads, or as a side to your favorite dishes. With a crispy crust and a soft interior infused with the aromatic flavors of garlic and rosemary, this skillet bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Herb Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, rosemary, and garlic.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the water and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead gently for about one minute.
- Shape and Cook: Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it into the hot skillet. Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- Serve: Let the bread cool briefly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This bread is best served warm.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano for varying flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
