Description: This Rustic Rosemary & Olive Oil Quick Bread is a no-fuss, incredibly flavorful bread that comes together in under an hour. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, it requires no yeast, no kneading (beyond a minimal amount to bring it together), and relies on the simple yet powerful combination of rosemary, olive oil, and a few pantry staples to deliver a crusty, aromatic loaf that’s ideal for pairing with soups, salads, cheeses, or enjoying on its own. This recipe embraces rustic charm, creating a bread that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
Preparation:
Before diving into the mixing process, it’s essential to set up your workspace and ensure you have all the necessary equipment and ingredients within easy reach. This will streamline the bread-making process and help you focus on each step without unnecessary interruptions.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. This ensures a crispy bottom crust. If you prefer, you can line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture, as this is the key leavening agent in this quick bread recipe. Even distribution will ensure a uniform rise.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl or a large measuring cup, combine the milk and olive oil. Whisk these two ingredients together until they are lightly emulsified. This step helps to incorporate the olive oil more evenly into the dough, contributing to the bread’s overall texture and flavor.
- Step 4: Gradually pour the wet ingredients (milk and olive oil mixture) into the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar mixture). Using a wooden spoon or a spatula, gently stir the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. The dough should be slightly shaggy but mostly uniform.
- Step 5: Add the chopped fresh rosemary and Parmesan cheese (if using) to the dough. Gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed throughout. Avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can still lead to a tougher bread.
- Step 6: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough for about 1 minute, just enough to bring it together into a cohesive ball. The dough will be slightly sticky, but avoid adding too much extra flour, as this can make the bread dry.
- Step 7: Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf. Place the loaf onto the preheated baking sheet. Use a sharp knife or a bread lame to make a few slashes (about ½ inch deep) on the top of the loaf. These slashes not only look decorative but also allow the bread to expand evenly during baking, preventing it from cracking in unpredictable places.
- Step 8: Drizzle the top of the loaf with a little extra virgin olive oil. This will help to create a beautiful golden-brown crust and add an extra layer of flavor. If desired, you can also sprinkle the top with a pinch of sea salt or a little extra rosemary for added visual appeal and flavor.
- Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The exact baking time will depend on your oven, so it’s a good idea to start checking the bread around the 25-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Step 10: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This cooling period allows the internal structure of the bread to set, making it easier to slice and preventing it from becoming gummy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Rustic Rosemary & Olive Oil Quick Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. You’ll love the simplicity of the preparation, the minimal ingredients, and the speed with which it comes together. But most of all, you’ll love the incredible flavor and texture. The aromatic rosemary, the rich olive oil, and the perfectly crisp crust combine to create a bread that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s a bread that impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or whenever you crave a taste of homemade goodness. Plus, the customizable nature of the recipe allows you to adapt it to your preferences by adding different herbs, cheeses, or spices.
Serving Suggestions:
This bread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:
- Soup Companion: Serve warm slices alongside hearty soups such as tomato soup, lentil soup, or minestrone. The bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Salad Accompaniment: Enjoy it with a fresh salad for a light and satisfying meal. The bread adds a textural contrast to the greens and vegetables.
- Cheese Board Addition: Include slices of this bread on your next cheese board. It pairs especially well with soft cheeses like brie, goat cheese, and ricotta.
- Appetizer: Drizzle the slices with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple yet elegant appetizer.
- Breakfast Toast: Toast the bread and top with avocado, a fried egg, or your favorite jam for a delicious breakfast or brunch.
- Sandwich Bread: Use it to make flavorful sandwiches.
- Simply Enjoy: Enjoy a slice on its own, warm from the oven, with a pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips:
- Fresh Rosemary is Key: While dried rosemary can be used in a pinch, fresh rosemary will provide the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Preheat the Baking Sheet: Placing the baking sheet in the oven while it preheats helps to create a crispy bottom crust.
- Customize the Flavors: Experiment with different herbs, cheeses, and spices to create your own unique version of this bread.
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze.
- Reheating: To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 220-250 per serving
- Protein: 5-7 grams per serving
- Sodium: 300-350 mg per serving
Conclusion
This Rustic Rosemary & Olive Oil Quick Bread recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a loaf that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the process, savor the aroma, and delight in the taste of freshly baked bread.
Question and Answers:
- Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh rosemary? Answer: While fresh rosemary is highly recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute dried rosemary in a pinch. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary for every 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary. Keep in mind that the flavor will be more concentrated with dried rosemary, so adjust accordingly.
- Can I make this bread ahead of time? Answer: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking. This will ensure that the bread rises properly.
- Can I use a different type of flour? Answer: While all-purpose flour is the recommended flour for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or bread flour. Keep in mind that using different types of flour may affect the texture and flavor of the bread. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid depending on the type of flour you use.
- How do I know when the bread is done? Answer: The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness. Insert the toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.
- Can I add other ingredients to this bread? Answer: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile and can be easily customized to your liking. Some other ingredients you could add include sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted garlic, or different types of cheese. Just be sure to adjust the amount of liquid as needed to maintain the proper dough consistency.
