Name: No Knead Rosemary Bread
Prep time: 24 h 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 24 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary (or more, to taste); 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt; ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon instant yeast; 1 ½ cups water, at room temperature; 2 tablespoons cornmeal

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If you’ve ever dreamed of making your own bread but felt intimidated by the process, I have the perfect recipe for you! This No-Knead Rosemary Bread is not only incredibly easy to make, but it also delivers a rustic, golden loaf with a soft, flavorful interior. Trust me when I say anyone can make this bread. Yes, even you!

This recipe is perfect for beginners because it requires no kneading, no fancy equipment, and just a few simple ingredients. The best part? The delicious aroma of rosemary and garlic wafting through your kitchen as the bread bakes. Let’s break down the process step-by-step so you can enjoy homemade bread without the stress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Kneading Required: Forget about the arm workout! This dough comes together in seconds with just a wooden spoon or your hands.
Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples like flour, yeast, and salt, plus rosemary and garlic for flavor.
Foolproof Method: The long resting time does all the hard work for you, developing the perfect texture and flavor.
Perfect for Sharing: This bread is soft on the inside, crusty on the outside, and bursting with savory goodness—ideal for family dinners or as a gift.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to get started:

3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your bread.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor.
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped: Feel free to add more if you love rosemary!
1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: For a hint of spice.
½ teaspoon instant yeast: No need to activate this—just toss it in.
1 ½ cups water (room temperature): Helps create that sticky dough.
2 tablespoons cornmeal: Prevents sticking and adds a nice texture to the crust.

Equipment You’ll Need

To make this bread, all you need is:

A large mixing bowl
A wooden spoon (or your hands)
Plastic wrap
A 10-inch cast iron skillet (or similar oven-safe pan)
A clean dishtowel

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the process. Don’t worry—it’s simpler than it looks!

1. Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, pepper, and instant yeast. Give it a quick stir to distribute everything evenly. Then, add the water and mix until a wet, sticky dough forms. This should only take about 30 seconds. It’s okay if it looks messy—no need to overmix!

2. Let It Rest

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 18 to 24 hours. During this time, the dough will rise and develop tiny bubbles on its surface. This long fermentation process is the secret to amazing flavor and texture.

3. Prepare Your Skillet

Lightly oil a 10-inch cast iron skillet or coat it with nonstick spray. Sprinkle cornmeal evenly across the bottom—this will prevent sticking and give your bread a rustic crust.

4. Shape the Dough

After the dough has rested, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf. Be careful not to overwork the dough—you want to preserve all those air bubbles! Place the dough into your prepared skillet.

5. Second Rise

Cover the dough with a clean dishtowel and let it rest at room temperature for about 2 hours. The dough should double in size and feel soft to the touch. When poked with a finger, it shouldn’t spring back right away.

6. Bake

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Once heated, place the skillet into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

7. Serve Warm

Carefully remove the bread from the skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter, olive oil, or alongside your favorite soups and stews.

Tips for Success

Be Patient: The long resting time is essential for developing flavor and texture—don’t rush it!
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh rosemary and garlic make a huge difference in taste.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
Store Properly: Wrap leftovers in foil or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Why No-Knead Bread Works

The beauty of no-knead bread lies in its simplicity. Instead of kneading, this recipe relies on time to develop gluten and create structure. The long resting period allows the yeast to work its magic, resulting in a chewy interior and crispy crust without any extra effort.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade bread doesn’t have to be intimidating or time-consuming. This No-Knead Rosemary Bread recipe proves that anyone can bake a loaf that looks (and tastes) like it came from an artisan bakery. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, mix up some dough, and let time do the rest. Your house will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!

Happy baking! 🥖