Description

This rosemary bread recipe with its vibrant Green Herb Oil Brush is a simple pleasure that tastes gourmet, bringing incredible aroma to your home. It’s perfect for busy families, home bakers, and anyone who loves fresh, wholesome flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
2.25 tsp (7g) active dry yeast
1.5 cups (360ml) warm water, 105-115°F (40-46°C)
0.375 cup (90ml) olive oil, divided (0.25 cup for dough, 2 tbsp for herb brush)
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tsp salt
Pinch of sugar
0.25 cup mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, chives), for Green Herb Oil Brush
1 clove garlic, minced, for Green Herb Oil Brush

Instructions

Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 cups warm water, 2.25 tsp active dry yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Mix Dough Ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and 0.25 cup olive oil. Mix with a spoon or hands until a shaggy dough forms and all flour is incorporated.
Knead Dough: Turn the shaggy dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes, using a push-and-fold motion, until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should spring back when gently poked.
First Dough Rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the kneaded dough in the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape and Second Rise: Gently punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a rustic loaf or a round. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover again and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes, until noticeably puffy.
Prepare Herb Oil Brush: While the dough is on its second rise, finely chop 0.25 cup mixed fresh herbs (like parsley, basil, chives) and mince 1 clove of garlic. In a small bowl, combine these with 2 tbsp olive oil. This is your flavorful Green Herb Oil Brush.
Bake Bread: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Gently brush the risen dough with the prepared Green Herb Oil. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of 200-210°F (93-99°C) confirms it’s done.

Notes

If the yeast doesn’t foam during activation, your water might be too cold or too hot, or your yeast is old. Start again with fresh yeast and check your water temperature. For a crispier crust, place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of your oven during the first 10 minutes of baking. Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 34 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 70 g)
Calories: 300 calories
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 380 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 8 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: rosemary bread, herb oil, easy bread, homemade bread, yeast bread, baking, family recipe, whole wheat option, fragrant bread