How to Make No Knead Rosemary Bread Easily
If you’ve ever dreamed of baking a bakery-worthy loaf at home without the fuss of kneading, this No Knead Rosemary Bread recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with fragrant rosemary, a crisp crust, and a tender crumb, this loaf combines simplicity with bold flavor, letting you enjoy fresh, homemade bread with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: No kneading means you can mix the dough quickly and let it do the work overnight.
- Bold rosemary flavor: Fresh herbs infuse the bread with an irresistible aroma and taste that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Crunchy crust and soft crumb: Achieve bakery-quality texture right from your own oven without complicated techniques.
- Perfect for beginners: This recipe requires no special equipment or skills, making it ideal for novice bakers.
- Versatile and customizable: You can easily add your favorite ingredients or adjust herbs to suit your palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This No Knead Rosemary Bread uses a few simple ingredients, each playing an important role in delivering a deliciously rustic loaf. From the basic flour and yeast for structure and rise, to fresh rosemary that brings the fragrant flavor, everything works together perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the main structure with a neutral base perfect for absorbing rosemary flavors.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for the dough to rise slowly and develop that classic no-knead texture.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough for soft, airy bread.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens the gluten network in the dough.
- Fresh rosemary: Adds a piney, aromatic touch that elevates the bread’s character.
- Olive oil (optional): Provides extra moisture and richness if you want a slightly softer crust.
Variations for No Knead Rosemary Bread
Feel free to tweak this recipe to match your taste or dietary preferences because it adapts beautifully to different flavors and ingredients without extra fuss.
- Garlic and rosemary: Add minced garlic to the dough for a savory boost that pairs wonderfully with the herbs.
- Cheesy twist: Incorporate grated Parmesan or Pecorino for a nutty, melty surprise in every slice.
- Whole wheat upgrade: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for extra fiber and a nuttier taste.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread baking and add a binder like xanthan gum.
- Sun-dried tomato and rosemary: Fold in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for bursts of tangy sweetness that complement the rosemary.
How to Make No Knead Rosemary Bread
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and fresh rosemary. Stir in warm water and olive oil (if using) using a wooden spoon until all ingredients come together into a sticky, shaggy dough. No kneading required!
Step 2: Let It Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and leave it at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. This slow fermentation develops rich flavor and airy texture without any manual work.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
After the long rise, sprinkle flour on a clean surface, gently scrape the dough onto it, and fold it over itself a couple of times to shape it roughly into a ball. Let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes while you preheat your oven.
Step 4: Prepare to Bake
Place a Dutch oven or heavy, oven-safe pot with a lid inside the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C). Meanwhile, dust a sheet of parchment paper with flour and transfer your dough ball onto it.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven, transfer the dough along with the parchment paper into the pot, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Take the bread out of the pot and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This resting time ensures the crumb sets perfectly and your No Knead Rosemary Bread slices beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making No Knead Rosemary Bread
- Use fresh rosemary: Fresh herbs provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor than dried versions.
- Don’t skip the long rise: Letting the dough ferment overnight builds the depth of flavor and a beautifully open crumb.
- Properly preheat the Dutch oven: A hot pot creates steam that’s crucial for a crusty, artisan-style loaf.
- Handle the dough gently: Avoid overworking it to keep the loaf light and fluffy.
- Slice with a serrated knife: Prevent crushing the loaf by using a bread knife for clean slices.
How to Serve No Knead Rosemary Bread
Garnishes
Fresh rosemary sprigs or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil make perfect garnishes, enhancing both aroma and appearance when serving this bread fresh.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with soups like tomato basil or creamy mushroom, alongside salads or as a savory breakfast companion spread with butter and honey.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn slices into crostini topped with goat cheese and figs or serve it as part of a cheese board alongside olives, charcuterie, and dips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover No Knead Rosemary Bread tightly in a linen cloth or paper bag to maintain crispness on the outside and softness inside for up to two days at room temperature.
Freezing
Slice the loaf and freeze it in an airtight bag for up to three months, making it simple to toast fresh slices whenever you want.
Reheating
To revive the freshness, reheat slices in a toaster or warm the whole loaf wrapped in foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore that crisp crust.
FAQs
Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh rosemary offers a more vibrant flavor; if using dried, reduce the quantity to about one-third to avoid overpowering the bread.
What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
You can bake the dough on a preheated baking stone or heavy baking sheet and place a heat-safe bowl inverted above it to trap steam during the first part of baking.
How long will the No Knead Rosemary Bread stay fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature, it remains fresh for about two days; beyond that, freezing is recommended to preserve freshness.
Can I add other herbs or flavorings?
Absolutely! Experiment with thyme, oregano, or even roasted garlic for delicious variations tailored to your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free baking?
With appropriate gluten-free flour blends and xanthan gum as a binder, you can adapt the recipe, but expect differences in texture from traditional wheat-based loaves.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade bread, especially when it’s as simple and flavorful as this No Knead Rosemary Bread. From the aromatic herbs to the crusty exterior and soft interior, every slice feels like a little celebration. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the irresistible warmth of freshly baked bread shared with family and friends.
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No Knead Rosemary Bread
This No Knead Rosemary Bread recipe offers a simple, fuss-free way to bake a bakery-quality loaf at home. Featuring fresh rosemary, a crunchy crust, and a tender crumb, it requires minimal effort and no kneading. Perfect for beginners, it delivers bold herb flavor and a satisfying texture, making homemade bread accessible and delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 12 to 18 hours 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, salt, and fresh chopped rosemary. Stir in warm water and olive oil (if using) with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a sticky, shaggy dough. No kneading is needed.
- Let It Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and leave at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. This slow fermentation gives the bread its rich flavor and airy texture.
- Shape the Dough: After the long rise, lightly flour a clean surface. Gently scrape the dough onto it and fold it over itself a few times to form a rough ball. Let the dough rest for 15 to 20 minutes while you preheat your oven.
- Prepare to Bake: Place a Dutch oven or heavy, oven-safe pot with a lid inside your oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C). Dust a sheet of parchment paper with flour and transfer your dough ball onto it.
- Bake the Bread: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven, lift the parchment paper with the dough and place it into the pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the lid and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp.
- Cool and Enjoy: Remove the bread from the pot and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This lets the crumb set perfectly and allows cleaner slices.
Notes
- Use fresh rosemary for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Don’t skip the long fermentation; it develops flavor and texture.
- Preheat the Dutch oven properly to create steam and a crusty loaf.
- Handle dough gently to keep it light and fluffy.
- Slice with a serrated (bread) knife to avoid crushing the loaf.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: no knead bread, rosemary bread, easy homemade bread, artisan bread, beginner bread recipe, no knead rosemary loaf