Imagine the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen warm, rustic, and oh-so-inviting. This Rosemary Bread Recipe is everything you crave in a homemade loaf: golden and crusty on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, with that irresistible hint of earthy rosemary in every bite. It’s the kind of bread that feels like a warm hug perfect for dipping in soups, serving with pasta, or just slathering with butter while it’s still warm. Trust me, once you bake this beauty, it’ll quickly become a go-to comfort food in your home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Rosemary Bread Recipe
- Easy and approachable – You don’t need to be a pro baker to nail this recipe. It’s simple, forgiving, and totally beginner-friendly.
- Aromatic and flavorful – Fresh rosemary infuses every bite with its signature woodsy aroma this isn’t your average bread!
- Perfect texture – Crunchy crust, soft center… need I say more?
- Versatile – Serve it alongside soup, use it for sandwiches, or enjoy it plain with a drizzle of olive oil.
Ingredients

- All-purpose flour – The base of the bread, giving it structure and that perfect chew.
- Warm water – Helps activate the yeast and brings the dough together.
- Active dry yeast – The magic ingredient that makes the bread rise and gives it that airy texture.
- Sugar – Just a little to feed the yeast and help the bread rise beautifully.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the rosemary’s earthiness.
- Fresh rosemary – The star of the show its herby aroma makes the bread feel gourmet.
- Olive oil – Adds richness to the dough and helps create that golden crust.
Note: You’ll find all the exact measurements and details in the recipe card below!
How to Make This Rosemary Bread Recipe
- Activate the yeast – In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until it gets foamy—this means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
- Mix the dough – Add flour, salt, chopped rosemary, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead it out – Knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic about 8-10 minutes should do the trick.
- First rise – Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (this usually takes about 1 hour).
- Shape and second rise – Punch down the dough, shape it into a round loaf, and let it rise again on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes.
- Bake – Brush the top with olive oil, sprinkle a little extra rosemary and sea salt, then bake until golden brown and crusty.
- Cool and enjoy – Let the bread cool slightly before slicing… if you can wait that long!
Pro Tips for Baking the Best Rosemary Bread Recipe
- Use fresh rosemary for the best flavor it’s a total game-changer compared to dried.
- Make sure your yeast is fresh expired yeast won’t give you that gorgeous rise.
- Don’t skip the second rise this gives your bread that light, airy texture.
- Add some garlic for an extra layer of flavor. A little minced garlic in the dough? Chef’s kiss.
How to Serve Your Homemade Rosemary Bread

This Rosemary Bread recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it warm with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple appetizer, or alongside your favorite comfort meals for that extra cozy touch.
Looking for the perfect pairing ideas? Here are some delicious options to complete your meal:
- Enjoy it with a hearty Chicken Pot Pie—trust me, this combo is pure comfort food heaven!
- Need more pairing inspiration? Check out this guide on the Best Side Dish for Chicken Pot Pie for ideas that will round out your meal perfectly.
- If you’re whipping up a creamy pasta night, this bread pairs wonderfully with dishes seasoned with rich, cheesy sauces. Discover what herbs and spices elevate pasta dishes in this helpful guide on What Seasonings Go Well with Alfredo Sauce.
- Want to experiment with different protein pairings? Check out this guide on How to Cook Chicken in Different Styles—you’ll find plenty of inspiration for a hearty, rosemary-infused meal!
No matter how you serve it, this bread will elevate any meal and bring that extra touch of homemade goodness to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage for Your Rosemary Bread Recipe
- Storing Leftovers – Wrap the bread in foil or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Slice the bread and freeze it in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Toast slices straight from the freezer for a quick, delicious snack.
- Reheating – Warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked goodness.
FAQs About This Rosemary Bread Recipe
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh rosemary brings out a much stronger, more vibrant flavor. If using dried, reduce the amount by half since the flavor is more concentrated.
Do I need a stand mixer to make this bread?
Nope! This recipe is super friendly for hand-kneading. Of course, if you have a stand mixer, go ahead and use the dough hook it’ll save you some elbow grease.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The crust should be golden brown, and if you tap the bottom of the loaf, it should sound hollow. You can also use a thermometer the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C).
Can I add other herbs or toppings?
Absolutely! Try adding thyme, oregano, or even a sprinkle of parmesan on top before baking for an extra flavor boost.
And there you have it your very own homemade Rosemary Bread recipe that’s just as comforting as it is delicious! Whether you’re serving it with a cozy bowl of soup, making the ultimate sandwich, or simply enjoying a warm slice with a little butter, this bread is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. The best part? It’s simple enough for beginners but flavorful enough to impress anyone who takes a bite.
So, go ahead roll up those sleeves, let the aroma of fresh rosemary fill your kitchen, and enjoy the magic of homemade bread. Trust me, once you taste that first warm slice, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner!
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Rosemary Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Rosemary Bread is the perfect homemade loaf for anyone who loves that warm, herby aroma filling their kitchen. It’s soft on the inside with a beautifully golden, crusty exterior—just the kind of bread that makes every meal feel a little more special. Infused with the earthy, woodsy scent of fresh rosemary and a hint of olive oil richness, this loaf is perfect for dipping, toasting, or enjoying straight from the oven with a swipe of butter.
Ingredients
Bread Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Topping (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling on top)
Instructions
Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to give the dough a beautiful rise.Mix the Dough
Add flour, salt, chopped rosemary, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a rough dough forms.Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough, then shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.Prepare for Baking
Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with extra rosemary and sea salt.Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy it warm with butter or olive oil for dipping!
Notes
- Always use fresh rosemary for the most robust flavor. Dried rosemary works in a pinch but is less aromatic.
- If your yeast doesn’t foam during activation, it might be expired—start over with fresh yeast.
- You can enhance the flavor by adding minced garlic or grated parmesan into the dough.
- To get a crunchier crust, place a small dish of water in the oven while baking. The steam will help develop that perfect, crispy crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: rosemary bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, herbed bread, crusty bread, no-knead bread