There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a golden, crusty loaf of homemade bread from the oven—especially when it’s infused with the aromatic magic of rosemary and garlic. This Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread delivers all the rich, savory flavor of artisan bakery bread without the need for complicated techniques or time-consuming kneading.

Whether you’re a first-time bread baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe makes it easy to achieve a chewy interior, crispy crust, and deep herbaceous flavor—all with just a handful of pantry staples. It’s the perfect side for soups, a base for sandwiches, or even the star of your next appetizer spread.

Why You’ll Love This No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread

Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and almost no hands-on work? That’s the kind of recipe worth baking again and again. Here’s why this loaf is about to become your new go-to:

No kneading required – The dough works its magic while you rest
Big flavor payoff – Thanks to roasted garlic and fresh rosemary
Incredibly crusty exterior and tender, chewy crumb
Only a few minutes of prep – Let time and heat do the hard work
Great for beginner bakers – Nearly foolproof!

This bread proves that with just a bit of planning, you can enjoy warm, homemade rustic bread any day of the week.

What Is Rustic No Knead Bread?

Rustic no knead bread is a style of artisan bread that requires little to no physical mixing or kneading. Instead of developing gluten through handwork, the dough is left to rise slowly over time, allowing fermentation and hydration to do the heavy lifting. The result? A beautifully textured loaf with an open crumb, chewy bite, and golden crust.

When you add herbs like rosemary and rich, roasted garlic, this simple base becomes an aromatic, flavorful centerpiece. The “rustic” label refers to its hearty texture and free-form appearance—no bread machine or loaf pan required.

The Flavor Power of Rosemary and Roasted Garlic in Bread

The combination of rosemary and garlic in this bread is earthy, fragrant, and comforting. Rosemary adds a woodsy note that pairs perfectly with the slightly sweet, mellow flavor of roasted garlic. Unlike raw garlic, roasting it brings out its richness and tones down the bite, creating soft cloves that melt into the dough.

Together, they elevate the basic no knead bread into something you’d expect from an artisan bakery.

Essential Ingredients for Rosemary Garlic Bread

This flavorful loaf only needs a few ingredients—most of which you probably have already:

All-purpose flour – The structure and base of the bread
Active dry yeast – Helps the bread rise with long fermentation
Salt – Essential for flavor and structure
Warm water – Hydrates the dough and activates the yeast
Fresh rosemary – For earthy, herbal flavor
Roasted garlic – Adds a savory depth and soft pockets of flavor

That’s it! No fancy flours or special tools required.

Full Ingredient List with Measurements

To make one loaf of Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread, you’ll need:

3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon active dry yeast
1½ teaspoons salt
1½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
1 bulb garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting garlic)
1–2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped

These quantities create one hearty, beautifully crusted loaf perfect for sharing.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need to Make No Knead Bread

One of the best things about this recipe is how few tools it requires:

Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or spatula
Dutch oven with lid (or heavy oven-safe pot with cover)
Sharp knife or bread lame (for scoring)
Parchment paper
Aluminum foil (for roasting garlic)

No mixer, kneading, or proofing baskets required—simple and rustic all the way.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread

Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice the top off a garlic bulb to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool, then squeeze out the softened garlic cloves.

Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast. Add the warm water, rosemary, and roasted garlic cloves. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel.

Step 3: Let It Rise
Let the dough rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours, or until it has doubled in size and the surface is bubbly.

Step 4: Shape and Rest Again
Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Gently shape it into a ball using floured hands. Place on parchment paper and cover with a towel. Let rise again for 30–60 minutes.

Step 5: Preheat and Bake
Preheat your Dutch oven at 450°F for at least 30 minutes. When ready, carefully lift the dough with parchment and place it inside the pot. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Slice
Remove from the pot and let the loaf cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Crust and Soft Interior

Don’t skip the long rise – It develops flavor and structure
Use parchment paper – Makes transferring the dough easy and prevents sticking
Preheat your Dutch oven – A hot pot ensures that gorgeous crust
Let the bread cool before slicing – Cutting too soon makes it gummy

These tips help you achieve that bakery-style texture and presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking No Knead Bread

Using cold water – It won’t activate the yeast properly
Skipping the second rise – Leads to a flat loaf
Not scoring the top – A small slit helps the bread expand properly
Opening the oven too early – Can affect the crust development

Stick to the process and you’ll be rewarded with perfect results.

Serving Suggestions for Rosemary Garlic Bread

This bread is versatile and pairs well with just about anything:

Soups and stews – Dip it into creamy tomato, lentil, or potato soup
Pasta dishes – Serve alongside spaghetti, lasagna, or baked ziti
Appetizer boards – Slice and serve with hummus, olive oil, or tapenade
Sandwiches – Use it as a rustic base for grilled veggie or chicken sandwiches

Or simply enjoy it warm with butter or a drizzle of olive oil and sea salt.

How to Store Leftovers and Keep Bread Fresh Longer

To keep your Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread tasting fresh:

Store at room temperature in a bread bag or wrapped in a clean towel for up to 3 days
Avoid plastic bags, which make the crust soft
For longer storage, slice and freeze

This bread is best the day it’s baked, but proper storage keeps it delicious for days.

Can You Freeze No Knead Bread? Here’s How

Yes! This bread freezes beautifully:

Cool the loaf completely
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil
Store in the freezer for up to 2 months

To reheat, let it thaw at room temperature and warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.

Variations and Creative Add-Ins to Try

Once you master the basic recipe, try mixing it up:

Cheese & Herb – Add shredded Parmesan or sharp cheddar with rosemary
Olive & Garlic – Fold in chopped Kalamata olives and roasted garlic
Lemon & Thyme – For a lighter, aromatic variation
Whole wheat version – Replace up to 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour

Just be careful not to overload the dough with too many wet ingredients.

Is This Rustic Bread Healthy? Nutritional Overview

Homemade bread is a great alternative to store-bought options because you control the ingredients. This rustic loaf is:

Free from preservatives and additives
Lower in sodium than many store-bought loaves
Rich in fiber and minerals if using whole wheat flour
Satisfying and filling with slow-digesting carbs

While it’s still a carb-heavy food, it’s a wholesome, minimally processed option in a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions About No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
Yes, use the same amount. No need to dissolve it first—just mix it with the flour.

Can I use dried rosemary?
You can, but fresh rosemary gives the best flavor. Use about half the amount if using dried.

Why does my dough look wet and sticky?
That’s normal for no knead dough. Avoid adding too much flour—it should be loose and shaggy.

Do I need a Dutch oven?
A heavy pot with a lid is ideal, but you can also use a covered baking dish or even a cast iron skillet with foil.

How do I know when the bread is done?
It should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Internal temperature should be around 200°F.

Final Thoughts: A Foolproof, Flavorful Bread Recipe to Keep on Repeat

This Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread is everything homemade bread should be: crisp on the outside, soft inside, full of flavor, and unbelievably simple to make. With just a little planning and minimal effort, you can enjoy artisan-quality bread right from your own oven.

Whether you’re serving it alongside a family dinner or slicing it for weekday sandwiches, this bread adds warmth and comfort to every bite. Once you try it, you’ll never look at store-bought bread the same way again.

Tried this Rustic No Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread? Share your delicious creation on social media and tag us—we’d love to see it! And don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more easy, flavorful homemade bread recipes and comfort food favorites delivered weekly.