Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread Recipe
Introduction
This Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread is an easy, flavorful loaf perfect for any occasion. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you’ll enjoy a crusty, aromatic bread that pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or just a drizzle of olive oil.

Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 ¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, yeast, rosemary, garlic, and black pepper. Add the warm water and olive oil, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
- Step 2: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough sit at room temperature for 12-18 hours, until it has doubled in size and is bubbly.
- Step 3: Lightly flour a clean surface, turn the dough out onto it, and gently shape it into a round loaf without over-handling.
- Step 4: Place the loaf on floured parchment paper, cover it, and let it rest for 30-45 minutes while you preheat the oven.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C), placing a Dutch oven inside to heat for 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Carefully transfer the dough, along with the parchment paper, into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- Step 7: Remove the lid from the Dutch oven and bake the bread for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
- Step 8: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a different herb flavor, try substituting rosemary with thyme or oregano.
- Adding a tablespoon of honey or sugar can give a slight sweetness to balance the garlic and herbs.
- If you don’t have a Dutch oven, bake the loaf on a preheated baking stone or heavy baking sheet, and place a pan of water in the oven for steam.
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for a chewier texture.
Storage
Store the bread loosely wrapped in a paper bag or bread box at room temperature for up to 2 days to preserve crustiness. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight bag. To reheat, toast slices directly or warm the whole loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you should dissolve active dry yeast in the warm water first and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy before mixing it with the dry ingredients.
Do I need to knead the dough?
No kneading is required for this recipe. The long fermentation time allows gluten to develop naturally, creating a tender and airy crumb.
PrintRustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread Recipe
This Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread is a simple yet flavorful homemade loaf featuring fragrant rosemary and minced garlic. Utilizing a no-knead technique, this bread requires minimal hands-on time and yields a crusty, golden exterior with a soft, airy interior. Perfect as a side for meals or enjoyed on its own, this bread bakes in a hot Dutch oven to develop a beautiful artisan crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 13 to 18 hours (including resting time)
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Additional
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, instant yeast, chopped rosemary, minced garlic, and black pepper if using. Pour in the warm water and olive oil, stirring thoroughly until a sticky dough forms without needing to knead.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. During this time, the dough will double in size and develop bubbles, indicating fermentation.
- Shape Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and gently turn the dough out onto it. Shape it carefully into a round loaf, being cautious not to overwork the dough to preserve its airy texture.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on a piece of floured parchment paper. Cover loosely and let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes as you preheat your oven.
- Preheat Dutch Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven inside to preheat for about 30 minutes to ensure it’s very hot.
- Bake with Lid: Using oven mitts, carefully lift the hot Dutch oven and transfer the dough along with the parchment paper into it. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes to trap steam and help form the crust.
- Bake without Lid: Remove the lid and continue baking the bread for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is deeply golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This rest time helps set the crumb and makes slicing easier.
Notes
- The long rise time develops flavor without the need for kneading.
- Ensure water is warm but not hot to activate yeast properly.
- Use fresh rosemary for the best aromatic flavor, but dried rosemary works as a substitute.
- Be careful when handling the hot Dutch oven as it will be extremely hot after preheating.
- Allowing the bread to cool fully before slicing prevents a gummy texture.
- Black pepper is optional but adds a subtle spicy note.
Keywords: no-knead bread, rosemary garlic bread, homemade bread, rustic bread, easy bread recipe, artisan bread

