Few things match the cozy joy of homemade bread—especially when it’s as simple as this Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread. No fancy mixers or muscle needed here—just a bowl, a spoon, and some patience. Infused with fragrant rosemary and garlic, this bread bakes up crusty on the outside, soft and chewy inside. Whether you’re new to baking or just craving something savory and homemade, this recipe delivers bakery-level flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Bread

Here’s why this Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread will become a go-to in your kitchen:

No kneading required – Just mix, rise, and bake.
Savory & aromatic – Rosemary and garlic shine in every slice.
Beginner-approved – No special tools or techniques needed.
Versatile sidekick – Pairs well with pasta, soups, or your favorite dip.

It’s a comforting loaf you’ll come back to again and again.

History & Fun Facts About Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread

The no knead method became wildly popular in the 2000s, thanks to its simplicity and artisan-style results.
Rosemary has long been used in Mediterranean baking for its earthy, pine-like aroma.
Garlic bread has roots in ancient Rome—early versions were rubbed with garlic and drizzled with oil.
Cast iron baking mimics traditional hearth ovens, giving this bread its crusty finish.

Key Ingredients in Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread

All-purpose flour – Provides structure and a chewy texture.
Minced garlic – Adds depth and a savory, toasty bite.
Fresh rosemary – Brings herby aroma and flavor.
Kosher salt & black pepper – Enhances flavor and adds a subtle kick.
Instant yeast – Helps the bread rise over a long period.
Water – Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough.
Cornmeal – Prevents sticking and adds crunch to the crust.

How to Make Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread

Mix the ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together flour, garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, and instant yeast.
Add water and stir
Pour in room temperature water and mix with a spoon or your hands until a wet, sticky dough forms—this takes about 30 seconds.
Let it rise overnight
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature for 18–24 hours. The surface should become bubbly.
Prepare your skillet
Lightly oil a 10-inch cast iron skillet or spray it with nonstick spray. Sprinkle cornmeal over the base to prevent sticking.
Shape the dough
Gently turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a round loaf using floured hands.
Second rise
Place the dough into the prepared skillet. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise at room temp for about 2 hours, until it has doubled in size.
Bake the bread
Preheat oven to 450°F. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool & serve
Let the bread cool for 15–20 minutes before slicing to lock in moisture.

Tips and Twists

Top Tips:

Let the dough rise the full 24 hours for deeper flavor.
Use a heavy cast iron skillet for a crisp crust.
Don’t overwork the dough—gentle shaping is key.
Fresh rosemary gives better flavor than dried.
Cover loosely with foil if browning too fast.

Fun Twists:

Add grated Parmesan for a cheesy edge.
Swap rosemary for thyme or sage.
Stir in chopped olives for a Mediterranean vibe.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage: Wrap in foil or keep in a bread box at room temp for 2–3 days.
Reheating: Warm slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
Make-Ahead: Mix and rise the dough overnight, then bake fresh the next day before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This bread makes every meal better. Try it with:

A warm bowl of Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Your favorite pasta like our Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
Light bites like Grilled Chicken Wraps
Simple brunch options such as Avocado Toast with Egg
A creamy dip like Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried rosemary?
Yes, use 1 tsp dried rosemary if fresh isn’t available.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
A Dutch oven or oven-safe baking dish works too.

Can I freeze this bread?
Yes! Wrap in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Is it okay to shorten the rise time?
Long rises build flavor and texture. Don’t rush it!

What’s the best way to slice it?
Use a serrated knife and let the bread cool first.

Enjoy Your Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread

This Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread is proof that great bread doesn’t need to be complicated. With simple ingredients and a little time, you’ll pull a golden, herby, aromatic loaf from your oven—no kneading, no fuss. Whether you’re pairing it with soup or savoring a warm slice with butter, this is the kind of bread that brings comfort to every table.

Explore More Bread Recipes

Now that you’ve mastered Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread, why not try more delicious homemade breads? Here are some fantastic recipes to expand your baking repertoire:

Dandelion Bread – A unique, slightly earthy loaf made with foraged dandelion petals for a floral twist.
Cottage Cheese Cloud Bread – A light, airy, low-carb option that’s perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Blueberry Bread Pudding – A cozy, fruity dessert that turns stale bread into a decadent treat.
Italian Herbs and Cheese Bread – Packed with savory herbs and melty cheese for an irresistible pull-apart loaf.
Focaccia Bread – A simple, olive oil-rich Italian classic with endless topping possibilities.
Pumpkin Bread – A warmly spiced, moist quick bread that’s perfect for fall (or anytime!).
Garlic Bread Ritz Bits – A fun, crispy snack inspired by the nostalgic flavors of garlic bread.

Whether you’re craving something sweet, savory, or gluten-free, there’s a bread recipe here for every occasion. Happy baking

Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread

This rustic no knead rosemary garlic bread is crispy outside, soft inside, and full of flavor. No kneading required—just mix, rise, and bake! It’s beginner-friendly and perfect for serving with dinner or as a cozy snack.

Course Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Mediterranean

Keyword beginner bread baking, easy homemade bread, no knead garlic bread, rosemary bread, rustic bread recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Servings 1 loaf

Calories 165kcal

Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon instant yeast
1 ½ cups water, at room temperature
2 tablespoons cornmeal
Nonstick spray or olive oil for skillet
Extra flour for shaping

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine flour, garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, and yeast.
Add water and mix with a spoon or hand until sticky dough forms.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 18–24 hours.
Oil a 10-inch cast iron skillet and sprinkle with cornmeal.
Shape dough gently on a floured surface and place in skillet.
Cover with a towel and let rise for 2 hours until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until golden brown and crusty.

Notes

For the best rustic no knead rosemary garlic bread, let it rise the full 24 hours for richer flavor. Try adding chopped olives or cheese for variation.

Nutrition (Per Slice, 10 slices):

Calories: 165
Fat: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g