Save A festive, aromatic Italian bread with a golden crust and a soft, pillowy interior, topped with fragrant rosemary sprigs and sea salt perfect for holiday gatherings.
This bread has become a holiday tradition in my family every year, filling the house with amazing aromas.
Ingredients
- Dough: 500 g (4 cups) bread flour, 350 ml (1½ cups) warm water (about 40°C/105°F), 10 g (2 tsp) fine sea salt, 7 g (2¼ tsp) instant dry yeast, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Topping: 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh rosemary sprigs, 1½ tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt.
- Step 2:
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 3:
- Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 4:
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 5:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 6:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 7:
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet. Stretch and pat into a rectangle (about 30 x 20 cm).
- Step 8:
- Use your fingertips to dimple the surface deeply. Drizzle evenly with olive oil, and scatter rosemary sprigs and flaky sea salt on top.
- Step 9:
- Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Step 10:
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until deep golden brown and crisp on top.
- Step 11:
- Cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.
Save My family loves sharing this bread during holiday meals, making every gathering feel warm and special.
Notes
For a festive touch, add halved cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced olives before baking. Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated. Pairs beautifully with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping or alongside cheeses and cured meats.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, wooden spoon, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheet, parchment paper, kitchen towel.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 220, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 34 g, Protein: 5 g per serving.
Save This holiday bread brings festive joy to the table with its rich aroma and delicious flavor.
Recipe FAQ
- → What gives the bread its aroma?
Fresh rosemary sprigs scattered on top bring a fragrant herbal aroma, enhanced by olive oil drizzled over the surface.
- → How long should the dough rise?
The dough is left to rise twice: first for about 1 hour until it doubles in size, then for an additional 30 minutes after shaping.
- → Can I add toppings before baking?
Yes, halved cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced olives can be added for extra flavor and festive appeal before baking.
- → What is the ideal baking temperature?
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) to achieve a deep golden brown and crisp crust.
- → How should the bread be served?
Serve warm, sliced, and enjoy alongside olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cheeses, or cured meats for a perfect pairing.
- → Is this bread suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this bread contains no animal products beyond yeast and is suitable for vegetarian diets.