🍞 Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread (Mediterranean Style)
📝 Description
This Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread is inspired by old-world Mediterranean baking — simple ingredients, slow fermentation, and incredible flavor. With fragrant rosemary, mellow roasted garlic, and a golden crust, this bread requires no kneading at all. Time does all the work, giving you bakery-quality bread right from your home oven.
🌿 Ingredients
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1½ teaspoons salt
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½ teaspoon instant or active dry yeast
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1½ cups warm water (not hot)
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2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
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1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for richer flavor)
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Extra flour for dusting
👩🍳 Instructions
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Mix the dough:
In a large bowl, stir together flour, salt, yeast, rosemary, and garlic. Add water (and olive oil if using) and mix until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. -
First rise:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours until bubbly and doubled in size. -
Shape:
Lightly flour your work surface. Turn out the dough and gently fold it over itself once or twice. Shape into a round loaf. Let rest for 30–45 minutes. -
Preheat:
Place a Dutch oven (with lid) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes. -
Bake:
Carefully place the dough into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake another 10–15 minutes until deeply golden and crusty. -
Cool:
Transfer to a rack and cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
🍽 Serving Ideas
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Dip into olive oil with balsamic vinegar
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Serve alongside soups, stews, or salads
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Use for bruschetta, sandwiches, or garlic toast
❓ Q & A
Q: Why is no kneading needed?
A: The long fermentation time develops gluten naturally, creating structure and flavor without kneading.
Q: Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
A: Yes! Use about 1 tablespoon dried rosemary in place of fresh.
Q: What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
A: You can bake it on a baking sheet and place a pan of hot water in the oven to create steam, though the crust won’t be quite as thick.
Q: How should I store this bread?
A: Wrap loosely in a towel or paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid plastic to keep the crust crisp.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Absolutely. Slice first, freeze up to 3 months, and toast straight from frozen.
