Irresistibly Easy Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Recipe
This Irresistibly Easy Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is a flavorful, chewy loaf baked directly in a cast iron skillet. Infused with fresh garlic and rosemary, this bread combines simple ingredients and straightforward methods to deliver a warm, aromatic, and rustic bread perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 10-inch loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Rustic/Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar (can be substituted with honey)
- 2 teaspoons rapid rise instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (kosher salt alternative)
- ¼ cup olive oil (can be substituted with melted butter or avocado oil)
- 1 cup warm water (125-130°F)
For the Flavor
- 3 cloves garlic (sliced or minced; roasted garlic for milder taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
Equipment
- 10” cast iron skillet
- Stand mixer
- Large bowl
- Wire rack
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and ¾ teaspoon of salt to create an even mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Heat ¼ cup of olive oil and 1 cup of water to approximately 125-130°F to activate the yeast properly. Mix this liquid with the dry ingredients until a soft dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Use a stand mixer to knead the dough for about 2 minutes, or knead by hand for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the kneaded dough and let it rest for 10 minutes to start gluten development and yeast activation.
- Prepare the Skillet: Grease the cast iron skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then place the dough ball in the center of the skillet.
- Add Flavor: Make a criss-cross cut on the top of the dough with a knife. Brush the surface with the remaining olive oil, then evenly sprinkle the garlic, rosemary, and an optional pinch of salt over the top.
- First Rise: Cover the skillet and let the dough rise for about one hour until it doubles in size.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the skillet in the oven and bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the skillet carefully from the oven, take the bread out, and allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using bread flour gives a chewier texture compared to all-purpose flour.
- If using dried rosemary instead of fresh, reduce to 1 teaspoon to avoid overpowering the bread.
- Warm water between 125-130°F is critical for proper yeast activation.
- Kneading by hand takes longer but develops good gluten structure.
- Roasted garlic provides a milder flavor if preferred.
- Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising.
- The cast iron skillet helps create a rustic crust and even baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8 of the loaf)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: rustic bread, garlic bread, rosemary bread, skillet bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, cast iron bread