Rosemary Bread Recipe

Flour: The base of the bread, providing structure and texture.

Rosemary: Adds a fragrant, earthy flavor to the bread.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a touch of sweetness.

Active dry yeast: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.

Water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.

Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the bread.

When kneading the dough, ensure you use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself. This technique helps develop the gluten structure, making the bread more elastic and giving it a better rise. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour on your work surface, but be careful not to add too much, as it can make the bread dense.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, though the texture may be denser.

• fresh rosemary - Substitute with dried rosemary: Use half the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Provides a slightly different mineral profile and can enhance the flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Adds a natural sweetness and moisture, though it may slightly alter the texture.

• active dry yeast - Substitute with instant yeast: Can be mixed directly with dry ingredients, and may reduce rising time.

• warm water - Substitute with milk: Adds richness and a softer crumb to the bread.

• olive oil - Substitute with melted butter: Adds a richer flavor and a slightly different texture.

• To keep your rosemary bread fresh, store it in a bread box or a paper bag at room temperature. This helps maintain its crusty exterior while keeping the inside soft.
• If you prefer a more airtight option, wrap the bread in plastic wrap or place it in a resealable plastic bag. This method will keep the bread fresh for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the bread. First, let the bread cool completely on a wire rack to prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
• Slice the bread before freezing. This allows you to take out only the number of slices you need, reducing waste and ensuring the rest stays fresh.
• Wrap each slice or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer method helps prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped bread in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. Label it with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• When you're ready to enjoy the bread, thaw it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. For a quicker option, use the microwave on a low setting or a toaster oven.
• To revive the crust's crispiness, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bread for about 10 minutes. This will give it that freshly baked texture and aroma.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the rosemary bread in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it directly on the oven rack and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps retain the bread's crusty exterior and soft interior.

• Toaster Oven Method: If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Slice the bread and place the slices directly on the rack or a baking sheet. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method is great for achieving a slightly crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside soft.

• Microwave Method: Place a slice of rosemary bread on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for about 10-20 seconds. Be cautious with this method as it can make the bread chewy if overheated.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place slices of bread in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This method can give the bread a nice, toasty exterior while keeping the inside soft.

• Steaming Method: If you have a steamer, place the rosemary bread in the steamer basket. Steam for about 5 minutes. This method is excellent for retaining moisture and keeping the bread soft.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place slices of bread in the basket and heat for about 3-5 minutes. This method can give the bread a slightly crispy texture while keeping the inside soft and warm.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the flour, rosemary, salt, and sugar.

• Separate bowl: A smaller bowl to dissolve the yeast in warm water.

• Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture.

• Floured surface: A clean, flat area sprinkled with flour to knead the dough.

• Hands: Essential for kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

• Greased bowl: A bowl coated with a thin layer of oil to let the dough rise without sticking.

• Kitchen towel: Used to cover the dough while it rises.

• Oven: Preheated to 375°F (190°C) for baking the bread.

• Baking sheet: A flat sheet to place the shaped loaf on for baking.

• Wire rack: A rack to cool the bread on after baking.

• Knife: For slicing the bread once it has cooled.

Use a stand mixer: Save time by using a stand mixer with a dough hook to mix and knead the dough.

Pre-chop rosemary: Chop the rosemary in advance and store it in the fridge to save prep time.

Warm environment: Speed up the dough rising process by placing it in a warm, draft-free area like an oven with the light on.

Instant yeast: Substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast to skip the step of dissolving it in water.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven while the dough is rising to save time.