Name: Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Rustic
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups warm water; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; ¼ cup olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; Additional olive oil and rosemary for topping

If your heart skips a beat at the smell of freshly baked bread, then you’re going to fall hard for this rustic garlic rosemary skillet bread. With its golden crust, pillowy center, and the kind of aroma that makes neighbors peek over the fence, this bread was made for cozy kitchens and comforting moments.

It starts simple. A bit of flour, yeast, garlic, rosemary, and olive oil come together in one skillet to make something magical. This isn’t your average store-bought loaf; it’s the kind of bread that tells stories, the kind you tear with your hands and pair with soups, pastas, or just a generous pat of butter.

Why You’ll Love This Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

You don’t need to be a professional baker to nail this recipe. It requires minimal kneading, no fancy equipment, and delivers maximum reward. The cast-iron skillet gives the bread an unbeatable crunch, while the garlic and rosemary fill every bite with warm, herby comfort. Plus, it’s versatile. Serve it with dinner, dip it in olive oil and balsamic, or eat it straight from the pan – no judgment here.

What Kind of Skillet Should I Use?

A cast-iron skillet works best for this bread, as it retains heat evenly and creates that gorgeous golden crust. If you don’t have cast iron, you can use an oven-safe heavy skillet or even a round baking dish in a pinch. Just be sure to grease it well and preheat it for best results.

Ingredients for the Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

This rustic bread keeps things classic with pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in the final flavor and texture.

All-purpose flour gives the bread its soft and chewy structure while holding everything together.

Active dry yeast ensures the bread rises beautifully, giving it that light and airy inside.

Warm water activates the yeast and brings the dough together.

Sugar feeds the yeast and gives the bread just a touch of sweetness.

Salt balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.

Olive oil keeps the crumb tender and adds richness, while also helping to create a golden crust.

Garlic cloves bring bold, aromatic flavor that infuses the bread from edge to center.

Fresh rosemary adds earthy, pine-like notes that pair perfectly with garlic.

How To Make the Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy on top – a sign the yeast is alive and kicking.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the flour, salt, olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Preheat and Prep the Skillet

While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place your skillet in the oven during the last 10 minutes of preheating. Carefully remove it and coat with olive oil.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

Punch down the dough and gently shape it into a round. Place it into the hot skillet, cover loosely, and let it rise again for about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top, add extra rosemary or sea salt if desired, then bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and sounds hollow when tapped.

How to Serve and Store Your Skillet Bread

This bread is best served warm, fresh out of the oven, when the crust is crisp and the inside is tender. It makes a fantastic side for soups, stews, pastas, or even as a base for open-faced sandwiches. You can also slice and toast leftovers for breakfast with eggs or avocado.

It feeds about 6 to 8 people depending on the portion size, and leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to regain the crisp crust.

What to Serve With Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread?

Creamy Soups

This bread is perfect for soaking up a creamy potato, tomato basil, or mushroom soup.

Pasta Dishes

Try it with saucy dishes like spaghetti bolognese or fettuccine Alfredo.

Salads

A crisp Caesar or arugula salad makes a refreshing and balanced meal.

Cheese Boards

Tear it into chunks and pair with cheeses, olives, and cured meats.

Olive Oil & Balsamic Dip

Serve warm slices with a dish of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Grilled Vegetables

A side of charred zucchini, peppers, and onions complements the herby notes.

Roasted Chicken

Hearty enough to accompany roast chicken or turkey.

Want More Bread Ideas with a Twist?

If this rustic skillet bread warmed your heart, you might love trying these flavorful bread recipes too:

Grandma Nardi’s Italian Easter Bread for a soft, sweet braided loaf.
Pumpkin Bread With Maple Cream Cheese Filling when fall flavors call.
Cheesy Thumbprint Appetizers with Hot Pepper Jelly for a savory bread-like bite.
Sweet Potato Curry as a cozy pairing for hearty bread.
Honey Butter Skillet Corn as a sweet-salty sidekick.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest baking board so you can come back to it whenever you crave fresh, herby bread from your own kitchen.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use fresh or roasted garlic? Maybe added a sprinkle of Parmesan on top? I love hearing your variations.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and homemade comfort food on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and get inspired for your next baking adventure.

Conclusion

Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is more than just bread. It’s a reminder that simple ingredients, when given time and a little love, can create something utterly satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this skillet bread is a foolproof favorite you’ll reach for again and again.