Rosemary Garlic Bread (or Focaccia) – Warm, Aromatic & Perfect for Winter Nights

This rustic rosemary-garlic loaf fills your kitchen with the comforting scent of winter herbs.
Soft on the inside, golden and crisp on top, this bread pairs beautifully with soups, stews, herbal honeys, and cozy winter meals.
Whether shaped as a simple loaf or pressed into a classic focaccia, it’s the perfect companion for dark evenings, candlelight, and slow seasonal cooking.

rustic rosemary garlic focaccia on a wooden table

Rosemary Garlic Bread / Focaccia

A warm, aromatic rosemary-garlic bread (or focaccia) perfect for winter evenings, served with soups, stews, or as a cozy forest-inspired side.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rise 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf or focaccia
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: European
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 350 g flour all-purpose or bread flour
  • 7 g instant yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 240 ml warm water
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2-3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1-2 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • Extra olive oil + rosemary for topping
  • flaky sea salt optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking tray or loaf tin
  • Wooden spoon or hands
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Combine flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.
  2. Add warm water and olive oil; mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead for 5–6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Fold in minced garlic and chopped rosemary.
  5. Cover and let rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
  6. For focaccia: press dough into an oiled baking tray and dimple the surface with your fingertips.
  7. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle extra rosemary and flaky salt.
  8. Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
  9. Let cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

💡 Tip: Add roasted garlic cloves to the dough for deeper flavor.
⚠️ Note: Adjust water slightly depending on flour type and humidity.

Why This Bread Works

The combination of rosemary and garlic has been used in winter cooking for centuries.
Rosemary brings warmth, clarity, and a pine-like forest aroma — while garlic adds depth, comfort, and grounding energy.
Together, they transform a simple dough into a fragrant winter loaf perfect for dipping, sharing, or enjoying beside a steaming bowl of soup.

Tips & Variations

• Add caramelized onions on top for extra richness.
• Mix in olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
• Use half whole-wheat flour for a heartier winter loaf.
• Press fresh rosemary sprigs into the top before baking for visual charm.

Winter Ritual

Bake this bread during the waxing moon to encourage growth, warmth, and rising energy — literally and symbolically.
As the dough rises, it mirrors the moon’s cycle of building strength and light during the cold season.

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