Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Recipe

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

This Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread recipe is the perfect blend of crisp, golden crust and a tender, chewy center bursting with the aroma of fresh herbs and roasted garlic. Whether you’re serving it alongside a bowl of creamy soup or as the star of your charcuterie spread, this bread makes everything feel a bit more special. There’s something incredibly cozy about baking bread in a skillet — it feels old-fashioned in the best way and fills the kitchen with irresistible warmth.

What sets this bread apart is its simplicity. You don’t need a stand mixer or any fancy equipment. It comes together with basic pantry ingredients, yet the flavor is deep and comforting. The olive oil crisps the edges while the rosemary and garlic infuse every bite with rustic charm. It’s one of those recipes that turns a simple dinner into something memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s practically foolproof and delivers artisan-level results. The crispy edges, the soft and chewy crumb, and the heady scent of rosemary and garlic make this bread irresistible. It’s quick to prep, with just enough resting time to develop flavor without requiring a whole day. And if you’re new to bread making, this is a perfect place to start.

What Kind of Skillet Should I Use?

For the best results, use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. It gives the bread that beautiful, golden crust and helps with even heat distribution. If you don’t have cast iron, any oven-safe heavy-bottomed skillet will work, though it might not get quite as crisp around the edges. Just be sure to oil the pan well before adding the dough.

Ingredients for the Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Recipe

This bread keeps things beautifully simple. With only a handful of ingredients, each one plays a crucial role in flavor and texture. From the flour’s body to the rosemary’s punchy aroma, nothing is extra here — everything counts.

• All-purpose flour
• Warm water
• Active dry yeast
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Fresh rosemary
• Garlic cloves

All-purpose flour is the foundation of this bread, offering structure and a tender crumb. Warm water activates the yeast and hydrates the flour, kickstarting fermentation. Active dry yeast provides the rise and airiness. Olive oil keeps the dough moist while adding a subtle fruitiness, and it’s key to that golden, crisp crust. Salt balances and enhances the flavor. Fresh rosemary brings a fragrant, woodsy note that permeates the loaf. Garlic cloves, either roasted or finely minced, add a savory, almost sweet depth to every bite.

How To Make the Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine warm water and the active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s foamy and bubbly. This means the yeast is alive and ready to go.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Add the flour, salt, chopped rosemary, and minced garlic to the bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand in the bowl or on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prep the Skillet

Drizzle olive oil generously into your skillet and use a brush or paper towel to coat the bottom and sides. Gently transfer the dough into the skillet, stretching slightly to fill the pan. Cover again and let it rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once risen, drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top and sprinkle additional rosemary and flaky sea salt if desired. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and crusty on the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the bread rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, and get ready to impress everyone at the table.

How to Serve and Store Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

This bread is at its absolute best when served warm, fresh from the skillet. The outer crust crackles just slightly when sliced, revealing a fluffy, aromatic center. It’s perfect as a side for hearty soups or stews, used to mop up sauces, or as a rustic base for open-faced sandwiches. Serve it in thick wedges with soft butter or olive oil for dipping.

This recipe feeds about 6 people, depending on how generous your slices are. If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the bread in a zip-top bag and reheat in the oven to regain that just-baked texture. Avoid refrigerating it, as that can dry it out more quickly.

What to Serve With Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread?

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

The fresh and tangy tomato sauce pairs perfectly with this bread’s herby flavor. Try it with our Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for an easy, satisfying dinner.

Classic Caprese Salad

Bright and refreshing, a caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil offers a crisp contrast to the warm, chewy bread.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

Round out your meal with our Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl and enjoy a cozy, protein-rich plate that plays well with every bite of bread.

Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon

A flaky, buttery salmon dish like our Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon makes for an elegant dinner pairing.

Roasted Asparagus

This bread is made for sopping up garlicky, lemony juices from a side of Roasted Asparagus — especially when served with a drizzle of olive oil.

Baked Ricotta Chicken Meatballs

These soft, cheesy meatballs are pure comfort and just begging to be paired with a thick slice of skillet bread.

Loaded Veggie Soup

A hearty veggie soup or minestrone works beautifully as a dip-and-savor kind of meal. The bread soaks up all the rich broth, making every bite extra cozy.

Want More Bread Ideas with a Rustic Twist?

If this Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread won your heart, here are more cozy bakes you might love:

• Easy Homemade Naan Bread is perfect for scooping up your favorite curries or dips.
• Butter Pecan Pound Cake offers another skillet-friendly recipe, just on the sweeter side.
• Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce pairs delightfully with warm bread on the side.
• Roasted Asparagus Recipe is a match made in heaven when served with a wedge of this skillet loaf.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it whenever the bread cravings hit.

And tell me in the comments: Did you use fresh rosemary or dried? Did you try adding parmesan on top before baking?

I love hearing about your personal spins on these recipes. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share tips—we’re all here to bake and learn together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and comforting meals over on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to recipe for cozy vibes.

Conclusion

Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is the kind of bread that reminds you why homemade is always worth it. With minimal ingredients and no-fuss steps, this loaf delivers bold flavor and beautiful texture every time. Whether you’re hosting guests or just need something to liven up your soup night, this skillet bread brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of rustic charm to any table.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?