Amazing 3-Hour Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Bliss

Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite lazy Sunday baking adventure – rustic garlic rosemary skillet bread. There’s something magical about tossing simple ingredients together and ending up with this golden, aromatic masterpiece that smells like an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. I first tried this when my oven was on the fritz years ago, and guess what? That “disaster” turned into my go-to bread recipe. The crispy bottom from the cast iron, the way rosemary perfumes your whole house, and those little garlicky pockets? Pure comfort food magic.

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Why You’ll Love This Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

Trust me, this isn’t just any bread – it’s the kind you’ll crave weekly once you try it. Here’s why:

• Effortless magic: No fancy kneading skills needed – just mix, rise, and bake!
• That crispy-chewy combo: The cast iron gives you that crackly crust with a pillowy inside you’ll want to tear into.
• The aroma therapy: When garlic and rosemary hit that hot skillet? Your kitchen will smell better than a candle store.
• Impress factor: Looks artisan-level gorgeous while being secretly simple.

Seriously, it’s the bread that makes weeknights feel special.

Ingredients for Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

Here’s the beautiful thing—you probably have most of these pantry staples already! Just grab a few fresh things, and you’re golden. A quick tip from my many test batches: measure your flour by spooning it into cups and leveling off (no packing!), or better yet, use a kitchen scale for perfect results every time.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g) – your bread’s trusty foundation
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast – that magical little organism that makes everything rise
• 1 tsp salt – don’t skip this flavor booster!
• 1 tbsp sugar – just enough to wake up the yeast (honey works too)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C) – test it on your wrist like baby’s milk—just pleasantly warm
• 2 tbsp olive oil – plus extra for greasing the bowl (I use my good EVOO here)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – fresh is non-negotiable for that punchy flavor
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped – strip those needles right off the stem for maximum aroma

See? Nothing weird or hard-to-find. Pro tip: if your kitchen’s chilly, warm your mixing bowl first—happy yeast means fluffy bread!

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Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t stress—you likely have everything already! Here’s the short-and-sweet list of what I grab when making this beauty:

• 10-inch cast-iron skillet – the star that gives that perfect crust
• Large mixing bowl – for happy dough rising
• Measuring cups/spoons – precision matters with yeast!
• Wooden spoon or dough whisk – my personal kneading weapon of choice
• Clean kitchen towel – to tuck that dough in for its nap

That’s it! No fancy gadgets needed—just good old-fashioned bread-making tools. If homemade bread makes you happy, you’ll also love this Pull-Apart Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe — gooey, golden, and perfect for sharing at the table.

How to Make Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

Now for the fun part—let’s make some bread magic happen! I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and I’ve learned all the little tricks to get that perfect crust and fluffy interior every time. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a golden, aromatic loaf that’ll make you feel like a bakery pro.

Preparing the Dough

First things first – let’s wake up that yeast! In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in your warm water (remember – wrist-temperature!) and olive oil. Now here’s my secret: start mixing with a wooden spoon until it just comes together, then get your hands in there! The dough should be shaggy at first but come together into a slightly sticky ball after a minute of kneading right in the bowl.

If it’s sticking to your hands like crazy, add just a tablespoon more flour—but resist the urge to add too much! A slightly sticky dough means a more tender bread. Knead for about 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You’re not looking for perfect pizza dough consistency here—just enough to bring it together into a cohesive ball.

First Rise

Now, give that dough some love! Drizzle a little olive oil in the bowl, turn your dough ball to coat it all over, then cover with a clean kitchen towel. Here’s where location matters—find your warmest spot. I use my oven with just the light on (not heated!) or near a sunny window. Let it rise for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size. How to tell? Poke it gently with a finger—if the indentation stays, it’s ready!

Pro tip from my many test batches: if your kitchen is chilly, the rise might take up to 90 minutes. Be patient—good things come to those who wait (especially where yeast is involved!).

Shaping and Baking

Here’s where the magic happens! About 30 minutes before your dough is done rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) with your cast-iron skillet inside—yes, empty! This gives it time to get screaming hot for that perfect crust.

When your dough is ready, carefully remove the hot skillet (use oven mitts!) and drizzle in about a tablespoon of olive oil. Quickly but gently press your dough into the skillet—it’ll sizzle a bit (that’s good!). Don’t worry about making it perfect—rustic is what we’re going for! Dimple the top with your fingers, then sprinkle on that gorgeous minced garlic and chopped rosemary, pressing lightly so they stick.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and heavenly-smelling. You’ll know it’s done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let it cool in the skillet for 5 minutes (if you can resist!), then transfer to a rack. Warning: Slicing into it immediately is tempting, but waiting 10 minutes means no gummy interior!

Tips for Perfect Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

After burning my fair share of loaves (and learning from every mistake), here are my can’t-miss tips for skillet bread success:

• Yeast check: If your dough doesn’t rise, your yeast might be old. Test it first by mixing with warm water and sugar—if it doesn’t foam after 10 minutes, start fresh. You can find more information on yeast at King Arthur Baking.
• Oven quirks: Every oven lies! Mine runs hot, so I bake at 375°F instead. Know yours—if bread browns too fast, tent with foil.
• Herb magic: Rub rosemary between your palms before chopping—releases more oils for insane fragrance.
• Doneness test: The hollow sound doesn’t lie—lift the loaf slightly and tap the bottom like a watermelon.

Remember: imperfect loaves still taste amazing—that’s the beauty of rustic bread!

Serving Suggestions for Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

Oh, the possibilities! This bread is a star on its own, but it’s even better with friends. Tear it into chunks and dunk it into warm tomato soup or a creamy artichoke dip. Slice it thick and serve alongside a fresh Caprese salad. My personal favorite? A drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for pure, simple bliss.

Storing and Reheating

This bread never lasts long in my house, but here’s how to keep it tasting fresh! Wrap leftover slices in a clean kitchen towel at room temp—they’ll stay perfect for 2 days. For longer storage, freeze whole or sliced in a ziplock bag (squeeze out air!). To revive, pop frozen slices straight into a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or toast until crispy. Pro tip: sprinkle a few drops of water on the bread before reheating to keep it from drying out!

Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s talk numbers—but remember, we’re making homemade bread here, not lab samples! These values are per slice (about 1/8th of the loaf) based on standard ingredients. Your actual numbers might dance around a bit depending on your exact flour brand, olive oil pour, or how generous you were with those garlic cloves!

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 4g (0.5g saturated)
• Carbs: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 200mg

Important note: Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredients used. I calculate based on what goes into my bowl, but your mileage may vary—especially if you’re like me and “accidentally” add extra rosemary because it smells so darn good!

For even more irresistible bread recipes and creative comfort food, explore our boards on Pinterest and get inspired with endless baking ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

After sharing this recipe with friends over the years, I’ve heard all the burning questions—let me save you some trouble with my hard-earned bread wisdom!

Share Your Experience

Did you try this rustic garlic rosemary skillet bread? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment or rate the recipe—your feedback makes my day and helps others too!