Why Make This Recipe

Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Sourdough Bread is a delightful treat for anyone who loves fresh bread with a twist. This bread combines the rich, robust flavor of roasted garlic with the aromatic essence of rosemary, creating a unique taste that elevates your usual sourdough. It makes for perfect toast in the morning or a side with dinner. Not to mention, baking bread at home fills your kitchen with comforting, mouth-watering smells.

How to Make Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Sourdough Bread

Ingredients

1/2 cup active starter
350 grams of water
500 grams unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 tablespoon sea salt
2 bulbs of garlic
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (you can use dried rosemary too)
Olive oil (to roast garlic)

Directions

How to Roast the Garlic in the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the tops off the garlic bulbs to expose the cloves.
Drizzle olive oil over the exposed garlic and wrap each bulb in aluminum foil.
Place the wrapped garlic in the oven and roast for about 30-35 minutes until the cloves are soft and caramelized.
Once done, let them cool and then squeeze out the soft garlic from the skins.

Prepare Fresh Rosemary:

If you are using fresh rosemary, wash and dry the sprigs.
Remove the leaves from the stems and chop the leaves finely.

Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix together the active starter and water until combined.
Add the flour and sea salt to the mixture, stirring until no dry flour remains.
Gently fold in the roasted garlic and chopped rosemary.
Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it sit for about 4-6 hours at room temperature, or until it has risen and bubbles form on the surface.
Once fermented, tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball.
Let it rest for about 30-45 minutes, then shape it again if desired.
Place the shaped dough into a floured proofing basket or a bowl lined with a floured cloth.
Cover it and let it rise again for about 1-2 hours.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes.
Carefully transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven and score the top for a nice crust.
Cover it and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Once finished, remove the bread and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Sourdough Bread

This bread is perfect served warm with a smear of butter or olive oil. You can also pair it with soups, stews, or enjoy it as a side with your favorite pasta dish. It’s great for sandwiches or toasted with toppings like avocado or cheese.

How to Store Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Sourdough Bread

To store your sourdough bread, let it cool completely and then wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or place it in a paper bag. This keeps the crust crispy while preventing mold. You can also store it in a plastic bag, but this might soften the crust. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight container.

Tips to Make Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Sourdough Bread

Ensure your sourdough starter is active before using it for the best rise.
Be patient during the fermentation process; the longer it ferments, the more flavor your bread will have.
Experiment with the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
If you prefer a softer texture, let the dough rest longer during fermentation.

Variation

Feel free to mix in other herbs like thyme or herbs de Provence for different flavors. You can also substitute the rosemary with other herbs you love.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought sourdough starter?
Yes, you can use a store-bought sourdough starter. Just make sure it’s active and bubbly for the best results.

How can I tell when my bread is done baking?
The bread should have a golden-brown crust. You can also tap the bottom; if it sounds hollow, it’s done.

Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?
Yes, you can bake it on a baking sheet or in a different type of oven-safe dish, but you may not achieve the same steam effect that a Dutch oven gives, which helps create a crusty exterior.