Rosemary Olive Oil Bread
This rosemary olive oil bread is very soft on the inside with a golden crunchy crust.How was the long weekend? I hope you guys had a relaxing one and got some time to get into the summer spirit. I had my best friend visiting so it was a great weekend hanging out with her and catching up. We shopped, baked, went to the gym (after all that baking!), had a movie date and spent numerous hours talking. It was the perfect girl’s weekend. After she left, I started some weekly prep. I figured we should start the week with a warm loaf of bread. This rosemary olive oil bread is the best thing I baked yesterday and I did bake a few things (coming soon!!).
Our local grocery store carries a rosemary bread that the hubs and I love to get every time we are making a fresh batch of pasta and it was the inspiration for this loaf. Remember the not so terrific process behind this honey whole wheat bread? Well, that did not happen this time! This gal has been learning and is no longer scared of yeast. (Thanks for all the encouragement!)
This rosemary olive oil bread came together very easily, under 3 hours with most of that being downtime as the dough rises. First to get the dough ready, proof the yeast. I used Red Star Yeast and thanks to the good folks over there I am well stocked with their high-quality yeast (One of you will be too soon, but more on that later!). Once the dough is formed and kneaded, let rise until doubled for about an hour. This is what the dough looks like before rising:
And here is what it looks like after it has doubled in size:
After the first rise, punch down the dough and form the loaf. Let rise again until double, about 45 minutes before baking.
Easy right?? Look how beautiful and crusty that loaf looks. And you know the best part? It smells great!! There is nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread, especially herb bread in one’s apartment. Just wonderful.
The rosemary in the bread is present but not overpowering and thanks to the olive oil the bread is extra soft. It is soft on the inside with a perfectly crunchy crust. I think this bread is best enjoyed warm and that is how we enjoyed half of it last night; warm, right out of the oven. But wrapping in an airtight container at room temperature will preserve it for a few days.
I am no longer in camp yeast phobia!!! Thank you Red Star Yeast for helping me along this journey. I know I still have a long way to go but with everything, it will take practice and patience. But now that the fear is gone, I can’t wait to fill my house with the sweet smell of fresh bread and get my carb-overload on!
Rosemary Olive Oil Bread
This rosemary olive oil bread is very soft on the inside with a golden crunchy crust.
Ingredients
For Dough
- • 1 cup warm water (110 degrees F)
- • 1 tablespoon sugar
- • 1 package Red Star active dry yeast (about 2¼ teaspoons)
- • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- • ½ cup bread flour + more for kneading
- • 2 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- • ½ teaspoon salt
- • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- • 2 tablespoon cornmeal
- • 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water, lightly beaten
- • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped for sprinkling
- • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the warm water, sugar and yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes to proof.
- In a medium bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer if using, whisk together the flours, rosemary, Italian seasoning, black pepper and salt. Add the yeast mixture together with the olive oil. Mix until just combined and dough starts to form. Transfer to a well-floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until dough is elastic. OR using the hook attachment of a stand mixer, knead for 5 minutes. If dough is sticky, add in some flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Lightly grease a bowl and transfer dough to it. Cover with a towel and place in a warm area and let rise until dough doubles in size, about an hour.
- Once dough has risen, punch it down and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Form into a round or long loaf. Dust a pizza stone or pan with the cornmeal and place the loaf on top. (I used a round pizza pan and lined it with parchment paper. Dusted the parchment with cornmeal and placed the loaf on there.) Cover the loaf with a damp towel and let rise for 45 minutes.
- About 30 minutes into dough rising, preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place a pizza stone or pizza pan in the oven as it preheats. (I placed two baking sheets underneath my pizza pan to prevent the bottom of my loaf from burning.)
- Once dough has risen, brush the top with egg wash. Using a sharp knife, cut two to three slices across the top of the loaf. Sprinkle with rosemary and coarse sea salt.
- Carefully place loaf in preheated oven and bake until top is golden brown and is hollow when tapped, about 20-25 minutes.
- Remove bread from oven and let cool slightly before slicing.
- Dip in olive oil or balsamic vinegar.
Notes
Adapted from Table for Two
YES for conquering your bread fears!! This loaf is quite the looker. I’m picturing breaking into it when it’s still all warm…heaven.
Thanks dear!!
I’m glad you are over your yeast phobia, because this bread looks awesome. There’s nothing like homemade bread right out of the oven!
I agree! Homemade bread is the best!!
I am so glad you conquered your fear of yeast…this bread turned out so well and I can only imagine how good it tastes!
Thanks Meghan! I am glad I finally did too! PS: I am super excited for next week 🙂
I was just thinking that it’s been a while since I have baked homemade bread. This rosemary olive oil bread looks incredible. Always love using Red Star yeast too!
You need to whip up a loaf soon!!
This would be so good with some EVOO! I’m in. I’m pinning this too. I want some now, haha.
Hhaha thanks for pinning Leslie. I hope you can try it soon 🙂
This is honestly my idea of the perfect bread! I love eating this kind of bread toasted with olive oil and balsamic- makes a really lovely light lunch recipe! I have an abundance of fresh Tuscan rosemary in my garden, so I might have to give your recipe a go! 🙂
Mmmmm, I just had the last slice toasted as you suggested with some balsamic. SO good!! Thanks for that suggestion.
Mmmm homemade bread is the best. It’s not exactly something I have mastered yet myself, but I refuse to stop trying! Rosemary is my favorite herb. I bet this was delicious!
Toodles,
Tammy<3
Don’t stop Tammy! You will get it soon since you are a talented baker. I am far from being a master myself and look forward to keep practicing!!
This bread looks so simple and delicious! Well done, Z, well done! Now can you go ahead and send me a loaf? Thanks!
Hhaha it’s on it’s way!! Thanks David 🙂
Looks incredible Zainab! I love to add rosemary to bread!
Love that you’re baking even more bread! Love the rosemary and the olive oil aka the entire loaf so just send me a slice 😀 .
Lol thanks dear!! Send Gavin over again and I will have it on it’s way 🙂
YUM! I can almost smell that fresh-baked bread smell, which is my favorite. I love the addition of the rosemary. This bread looks delicious!
Thanks Marcie! Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs and I am glad it crossed over to bread making lol!
Just beautiful! Always a favorite of mine. Perfect with soup.
The most beautiful smell when baking today. Mmmm…..
Hope your day is off to a great start!
Mmmmmm a warm bowl of soup will be great with this. Now I want some tomato basil soup. See what you did Melanie?
Mmm, that bread looks delish! homemade bread is the best. Loving the addition of rosemary, too, that’s one of my favorite flavors. 🙂
Thanks dear!
Zainab!
hey girl! ok, olive oil rosemary bread is like my fave bread in the world. I always buy the LaBrea Bakery 2-pack from Costco! 😛 and have made it once at home. . I need to make this again! Yours looks fabulous!
Thanks Alice!!
Aww, now I’m missing my best girlfriend–though I don’t think I’d need an excuse to make this bread! It looks fantastic. It’s weird that I don’t make bread more–I don’t like to eat it all myself, ahem, in one sitting, usually–but I think I could make an exception here. Thanks for sharing!
Ahem..I may have had about half of this :0
Zainab, what a fun weekend to share with your bestie! And this bread looks beyond delicious. I’m on board with anything rosemary 🙂
Thanks Amy!!
So glad you had a great girl’s weekend – sounded like lots of fun! Yay for conquering your fear of yeast – this bread looks fantastic! Love the smell of of fresh homemade bread and I can just imagine how amazing this one was baking up with the fresh rosemary – pinning 🙂
Thanks Kelly!!!
I think you have a real winner with this bread girl! I totally love that rosemary flavor and the scent it provides. This looks amazing!
You look like a total yeast pro to me! Rosemary is one of my favorite flavors, so I would be all about this bread.
I like to pretend I am lol! Thanks Erin!
Ooh, I can just imagine this lightly toasted with a drizzle of olive oil on it – served on the side of any number of beautiful meals. Perfect!
I know, it tastes amazing!! Thanks Helen!
The bread looks so good and crusty.
Ahhh, looks fantastic! Yet another recipe to add to my list…
Hahhah the list grows longer. Join the club 🙂
I refuse to believe that you are anything less than a stellar bread maker because this loaf looks PERFECT
Aww thanks Nora!!
Can this be used in a bread machine? Has anyone tried? I love rosemary and olive oil anything!
Colleen, I did a little bit of research and I see no reason why this recipe can’t be used in a bread machine. Just make sure you follow the instructions for your machine.
Gorgeous loaf of bread!!
I can almost smell the herbs 🙂
I love working with yeast, and I’d probably try your recipe soon
Thanks Winnie!
I have a jar of their yeast in my fridge RIGHT NOW! Love their yeast!!
You just found something for it!!
mmmmm love love love baking bread-and rosemary + olive oil are soooo lovely in a loaf!
You best believe I did ALL THE ENTRIES. I need to get out of this yeast-fearing camp I am in!
Yay!! I hope you win to get started.
I love homemade bread, and this looks terrific!
Goshhhhh!!!!! I think I just caught myself drooooooling!!!!! I can totaaaaaalllly imagine what your home must be smelling like as these beauties were baking!!!!!! S-A-L-I-V-A-T-I-N-G!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Smelled so good!!!
This bread looks so lovely 🙂 I always like to finish the crunchy crust first.. 😀
Me too 🙂
I adore rosemary bread! This looks fantastic.
i was the same way with yeast but now after years of trying, i am fine. love the olive oil and rosemary combination…
I think it just one of those things you just have to get into and try it a few times and you will get the hang of it. I’m glad I did. PS: So glad you are back with new posts! Missed you 🙂
What an amazing bread, Zainab! The aroma has got to be fabulous, for sure! Sounds like you had an adventurous weekend! Have a wonderful day, my friend. 🙂
Thanks Gloria! IT was a fun weekend. The week is going so fast it is making me happy lol! Hope you are having a great week too!
Teach me your ways girl! I’m a chicken when it comes to using yeast! Although this weekend I made cinnamon rolls with my grandma, and they turned out good! I just gotta bite the bullet huh? This bread looks divine…rosemary reminds me of summer. Totally can see myself eating this bread with pasta just like you said! Dipped in some fabulous olive oil of course 🙂 Thanks girl!
Hhaha Kelly, I have no ways. Clearly, I must have you fooled lol! I started with cinnamon rolls too to ease myself into it so I think you are ready to bite the bullet!! Di it 🙂 Just think about how lovely it will be to enjoy it!
Your bread looks so yummy, Zainab
Thanks Chichi!
the bread looks delicious. I need some in ‘ma belly!
What a beautiful loaf of bread! I am sure it is equally delicious!
Thanks Shannon!
This bread looks to die for, Zainab! Homemade bread is the best…so worth the effort!
Totally agree!! Thanks Alyssa 🙂
This bread is making me happy!!! Yep bread generally does that but this is fantastic!
Thank you!!
This looks so good Zainab! We make homemade bread almost every day in my household, I can’t wait to add this recipe to our arsenal!
Can’t wait to try your Rosemary Olive Oil Bread Recipe! Thank You!
This is a beautiful loaf!
I luv baking too, but haven’t baked any breads with yeast..gotta try some now, hope the kit gets me started!
I love baking homemade bread and this one looks wonderful! Perfect to go alongside a summer pasta dish. 🙂
Pinned.
Thanks Carrie! That’s exactly how we enjoyed some of this loaf 🙂
Wow – this looks amazing! Reminds me of the yummy bread at Macaroni Grille!
Thanks Kristen!
I can not find any widget to use to enter.
I have reloaded the page and given it lots of time. No big deal, but I thought you might like to know if you are hoping for lots of entries. I’m on google chrome with a pc.
This bread? I have to make it now! It looks delicious.
I was able to load it on firefox, where the page behaved badly, but at least the widget loaded. – I typo’d myself in one of the entries and was not able to edit it on the widget. It’s always spelled ‘tammigirl’.
Thank you Tammi! I’m glad it worked. Sorry about the glitches.
I just started baking bread, and I absolutely love this recipe! I’ll try making it this week. Visiting from #SITSSharefest!
Thanks Lisa!
Love love love this bread! Pinned! I definitely need to show this to my husband for him to make…he’s the bread guru in the fam. 🙂
Looks amazing.
Can i get this all prepared in the afternoon and wait to bake it until dinner time? Would I just leave in on the counter until it goes into the oven?
Beth, yes you can! Just let it sit on the counter covered with a damp towel until you are ready to bake it. I hope you love this wonderful bread!
Hi there,
The bread looks amazing!! just wondering if we absolutely have to use the bread flour or if we can just use more of the all purpose flour in place of the bread flour. I just reeeeeally don’t want to make another trip to the store!
Thanks, Alysia
Hi Alysia, I am sorry but I did not test this recipe with all purpose flour. I only used bread flour and can assure you that gives you the right tenderness and looks like the picture. However, I see no reason why experimenting with all purpose flour will be bad. The bread might be denser?? Or have a different texture but if you willing to risk it..then go ahead 🙂
I just made this recipe tonight. It. Was. Amazing. My husband and I ate almost the entire loaf! It was my first time making a loaf of yeast bread and it turned out perfectly. Thank you for a delicious, easy to follow recipe!
Hi Bekah! I am so glad to hear that you loved this recipe. It is one of my favorites and I love how easy it is! Thanks for coming back and letting me know 🙂
Just made this! Very delicious but mine turned out very flat. Not sure what I did wrong as it was my first time making homemade bread. Any tips? Would def make it again
I’m sorry Laura and happy that it was very delicious! Bread making takes time and the most common issue is yeast. Make sure your yeast is not old and you allow the bread to rise.
Thought i’d hop on here and post a comment about actually making it! I’ve made 4 loaves now for parties and other people and have gotten great feedback! Some of the kids thought it was a little spicy and strong rosemary flavor-but adults loved it. It has a great consistency-not too light, not too dense. I tried one loaf without rosemary and it was also yummy. The pepper makes it a bit spicy which is fun in a bread. I did have a tricky time trying to keep it from flattening out after I formed it into a loaf. Maybe I need more flour? I think it would make a great sandwich bread and may try sticking it in a loaf pan. Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Annie! Thanks for the feedback. I always love hearing from folks trying these recipes. So glad to hear you enjoy this recipe.
I have my dough rising at the moment for this recipe right now, but I have to say step 5 has me baffled. I place the pizza stone in the oven with or without the dough. The previous step had me put the dough on the stone, but then step 6 has me putting on an egg wash when the dough is done rising. I’m just not understanding 5 and 6 clearly. Help.
Hi Sherray – sorry for the confusion. But you heat the pizza stone without the dough on it. You want the stone to be very hot when you transfer your dough to it. Step 7 is where you place the bread in the oven. Hope that helps!
Can this bread be baked in a Dutch oven?
Hi Vicki, yes it can be. Just make you you preheat the dutch oven in the oven prior to putting the dough in it.