Roasted Garlic Bread Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade roasted garlic bread with this easy baking recipe. Featuring whole roasted garlic cloves that melt into the dough, creating pockets of sweet, aromatic flavor in every slice. This foolproof method ensures a crusty exterior and tender, flavorful interior every time.

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Prep Time:

3 hours 30 mins

Cook Time:

40 mins

Serves:

1 loaf (12 slices)

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g strong bread flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">7g active dry yeast</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">10g salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">320ml lukewarm water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml olive oil, plus extra for brushing</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 whole garlic bulbs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp sea salt flakes for topping</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Dutch oven or baking stone</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Dough scraper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Proofing basket or bowl</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking parchment</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Aluminum foil</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C. Cut the tops off the garlic bulbs to expose the cloves. Place them on a sheet of aluminum foil, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and wrap tightly. Roast for 35-40 minutes until the garlic is golden and completely soft. This slow roasting transforms the garlic from sharp and pungent to sweet and caramelized. Let cool completely before squeezing the soft cloves from their skins.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Create a well in the center. In a separate small bowl, mix the lukewarm water (it should feel just warm to the touch, around 38°C) with the yeast and let stand for 5 minutes until foamy. This activation ensures your dough will rise properly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Pour the yeast mixture and remaining olive oil into the flour well. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then use your hands to bring it together. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when poked gently with your finger – this indicates well-developed gluten, which will give your bread structure.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The slow rise develops flavor and improves texture, so be patient with this step.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles. On a lightly floured surface, flatten the dough into a rough rectangle. Spread three-quarters of the roasted garlic cloves over the surface, along with most of the chopped herbs, reserving some for topping.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Fold the dough like a letter, then roll and shape into a round loaf or oval, ensuring the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed throughout. Some cloves may poke through the surface – this is fine and adds to the rustic appearance. Transfer to a floured proofing basket or a bowl lined with a well-floured kitchen towel, seam side up.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Cover and let rise again for 45-60 minutes until noticeably puffed. Meanwhile, place your Dutch oven or baking stone in the oven and preheat to 230°C. The extremely hot baking surface creates an initial burst of steam that helps develop a crackling crust.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>When ready to bake, carefully turn the dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Brush lightly with olive oil, then gently press the remaining roasted garlic cloves into the surface. Sprinkle with the reserved herbs and sea salt flakes. Score the top with a sharp knife or razor blade to allow for expansion during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Carefully transfer the dough on the parchment paper to your preheated Dutch oven or baking stone. If using a Dutch oven, cover with the lid. Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 200°C. Remove the lid if using a Dutch oven and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the crust is deeply golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the crumb structure to set and completes the baking process. Slice and serve warm with butter, or alongside soups and stews. The bread will keep for 2-3 days wrapped in a clean kitchen towel, or freeze for up to 1 month.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Roasted Garlic Bread Recipe?

This artisan bread requires strong bread flour, active dry yeast, salt, sugar, water, olive oil, whole garlic bulbs, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, and sea salt flakes. The star ingredient is roasted garlic, which becomes sweet and caramelised in the oven.

How to cook Roasted Garlic Bread Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Roasted Garlic Bread Recipe by first roasting whole garlic bulbs until caramelised, then incorporating them into a yeasted bread dough with herbs. After two rises, bake the loaf in a preheated Dutch oven or on a baking stone at a high temperature to achieve a crusty exterior while maintaining a soft, flavourful interior studded with sweet garlic cloves.

Can I make this garlic bread without a Dutch oven?

Yes, while a Dutch oven creates optimal steam for a crispy crust, you can use alternatives like a baking stone, preheated heavy baking tray, or a casserole dish with lid. You can also create steam by placing a tray of water at the bottom of your oven during baking.

How do I know when my garlic is properly roasted for bread?

Properly roasted garlic should be golden brown, completely soft, and easily squeezed from its papery skin. The cloves should have a buttery consistency and sweet, mellow flavour without any raw harshness. This transformation happens after about 35-40 minutes at 180°C.

What's the best way to store homemade garlic bread to maintain freshness?

For optimal freshness, store completely cooled garlic bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze in an airtight container for up to one month, then toast slices directly from frozen as needed.

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