This easy homemade bread has a golden, crispy crust and a soft, fluffy center, flavored with garlic, rosemary, and herbs. No kneading, eggs, or butter required! Just mix, let the dough rise, and bake.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1½ cups (360 ml) warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, yeast, minced garlic, rosemary, and Italian herbs.
- Add water: Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. Do not knead.
- Let it rise: Cover the bowl and leave in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: Lightly flour your work surface. Gently shape the dough into a round or oval loaf. Avoid pressing out too much air.
- Preheat the oven: Heat to 220°C (425°F). Place a Dutch oven with its lid inside while preheating, if using.
- Bake the bread: Transfer the dough to baking paper and place it in the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden brown. If using a regular baking tray, bake for approximately 30–40 minutes; add a small oven-safe dish of hot water for extra steam.
- Cool and serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Bread
- Water should be warm, not hot, to avoid damaging the yeast.
- The dough should be sticky; avoid adding too much extra flour.
- For an extra-crispy crust, bake uncovered for the final 10–15 minutes.
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with extra herbs after baking for more flavor.
- For plain bread, simply omit the garlic and herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this bread without olive oil?
Yes. You can omit it, although the crumb may be slightly less tender.
Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes. Dissolve it in the warm water with a pinch of sugar and let it stand for 5–10 minutes before mixing.
Q: Can I make it without a Dutch oven?
Absolutely. Use a baking tray or oven-safe loaf pan and create steam with a separate oven-safe dish of hot water.
Q: How do I store homemade bread?
Keep it in a bread bag or airtight container at room temperature for about 2–3 days. Freeze sliced bread for longer storage.
Q: Is this bread vegan?
Yes, the recipe is vegan when made with plant-based ingredients and without butter or dairy-based toppings.
Q: Why is my bread dense?
Common reasons include inactive yeast, insufficient rising time, or adding too much flour. Let the dough rise until visibly doubled.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per slice, assuming 12 slices per loaf
| Nutrient | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145–165 |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | Less than 1 g |
Values vary depending on the flour, olive oil, and slice size.
Enjoy your homemade garlic herb bread warm with soup, pasta, olive oil, or your favorite sandwich fillings! 🍞
