Name: Chai Custard Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 3 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head garlic; 1 teaspoon olive oil; Salt to taste; 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet); 1 teaspoon honey or sugar; 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 100°F / 38°C); 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt; 2 tablespoons fresh chopped rosemary; 8-10 roasted garlic cloves, roughly chopped; 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Jump to Recipe·5 from 17 reviews

If you are craving a loaf with a golden, crunchy crust and a delightfully fragrant crumb, look no further than this Crusty Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Bread. It combines the rich, mellow sweetness of slow-roasted garlic with the piney freshness of aromatic rosemary, creating a perfect balance that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. This loaf is rustic yet refined, bursting with flavor in every bite and perfect for everything from simple buttered toast to an elegant accompaniment for dinner. Once you try this bread, it will quickly become one of your favorite homemade staples to bake and share.

Chai Custard Donuts Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You'll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating the perfect Crusty Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Bread. What’s wonderful about this recipe is how simple yet essential each item is, coming together to build that irresistible crust, tender crumb, and full-bodied flavor.

1 head garlic: The star for roasting, adding a sweet, caramelized depth that elevates the whole loaf.
1 teaspoon olive oil (for garlic): Helps mellow and roast the garlic cloves to perfection.
Salt to taste (for garlic): To enhance the roasted garlic’s natural sweetness.
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: Essential for achieving a light and airy bread rise.
1 teaspoon honey or sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle hint of sweetness.
1 ¼ cups warm water (about 100°F): Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough.
1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt: Balances flavor and strengthens the dough.
2 tablespoons fresh chopped rosemary: Brings an aromatic herbal punch that perfectly complements the garlic.
8-10 roasted garlic cloves, roughly chopped: The magic inside every bite for that luscious roasted garlic flavor.
3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting: The backbone of the bread, building structure and the perfect chew.
1 tablespoon olive oil (for dough): Adds moisture and enhances the bread’s tenderness and flavor.

How to Make Crusty Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Bread

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Trim the top off the garlic head to expose all the cloves, then place it in a small lidded baking dish. Drizzle the garlic with olive oil and sprinkle it lightly with salt. Cover it and roast for 30 to 45 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden brown. The roasting process transforms the garlic’s edge, giving it a mellower, almost buttery sweetness essential for this bread’s unforgettable flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough and First Rise

While your garlic cools, combine the yeast, honey (or sugar), and warm water in a large bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy and bubbly, showing the yeast is alive and kicking. Add the salt, fresh rosemary, and the roughly chopped roasted garlic to the bowl. Slowly incorporate the flour, stirring with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together and looks a bit shaggy. Drizzle in the olive oil, turning the dough to coat all sides. Cover with a clean tea towel and allow it to rise on your counter for about one hour or until doubled in size. This rise is crucial for that airy, chewy crumb.

Step 3: Shape the Dough and Final Rise

Once your dough has puffed up nicely, lightly flour a cutting board and gently tip the dough onto it without deflating those precious air bubbles. Fold each corner of the dough into the center like an envelope 4 to 5 times until it develops some stiffness, then flip the dough over and gently twist and pull it towards you until you form a smooth, tight round loaf. Flour a proofing basket or small bowl and place the loaf seam-side down inside. Cover it again and let it rise for 30 more minutes — this final rest will help develop an amazing crust.

Step 4: Bake the Crusty Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Bread

While your dough is finishing its final rise, place a Dutch oven (empty) into your oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. When ready, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven with oven mitts, take off the lid, and transfer the dough seam-side up onto a piece of parchment paper for easy handling. Place the loaf gently into the hot Dutch oven, cover it, and slide it back into your oven. Bake covered for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and continue baking uncovered for another 10 to 20 minutes until the crust is beautifully browned and crispy. Finally, remove the bread and cool on a rack for at least 20 minutes to let the crumb set.

How to Serve Crusty Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Bread

Garnishes

Looking to dress up your Crusty Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Bread? Brush a bit of melted herb butter or drizzle with good-quality olive oil for an added layer of richness. Fresh rosemary sprigs or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking can also amp up its visual and flavor appeal, making it irresistible on any table.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs gloriously with soups, stews, and hearty salads. Think creamy tomato basil soup or a robust beef stew where the bread can soak up every bit of the flavorful broth. It’s also wonderful alongside a spread of cheeses and charcuterie, where the roasted garlic and rosemary notes complement the savory board beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve your loaf in a rustic bread basket lined with a clean linen napkin. Or slice and toast pieces to create bruschetta topped with fresh tomato, basil, and mozzarella. You can even hollow the loaf to make a rustic bread bowl for dips or spreads — the possibilities with this Crusty Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Bread are endless and endlessly delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, slice the bread and store it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. It will keep fresh in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Keep in mind that the crust may lose some crispness, but simply crisping the slices in a toaster or oven revives that glorious crunch.

Freezing

Freezing is a great way to preserve this bread for longer enjoyment. Once cooled, slice it and place the slices in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen bread keeps well for 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just defrost slices at room temperature or toast them straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To refresh your Crusty Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Bread, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place the slices or whole loaf on a baking sheet and warm for 5 to 10 minutes until the crust crisps up again and the interior becomes warm and inviting. This simple step brings back all the wonderful aromas and textures like you just pulled it fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If fresh rosemary is not available, substitute with about one tablespoon of dried rosemary. Just keep in mind that fresh rosemary offers a brighter herbal note, but dried still works beautifully to impart that classic piney flavor.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

No worries! You can still achieve a crusty loaf by baking the bread on a baking stone or heavy baking sheet, and placing a pan of hot water in the oven for steam. This method helps create that crispy crust, although the bread won’t be quite as moist inside as with the Dutch oven method.

How important is it to let the dough rise twice?

Both rises are essential for developing the bread’s structure and flavor. The first rise allows the yeast to ferment and expand, creating those lovely air bubbles, while the second rise, or proofing, fattens up the dough again after shaping and helps achieve that perfect crust and crumb.

Can I add other herbs or cheese to this bread?

Definitely! This Crusty Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Bread is very forgiving. Feel free to add thyme, oregano, or even a half cup of grated parmesan for an extra savory twist. It’s a great base for creative variations.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The crust should be a deep golden brown and feel firm to the touch. A classic test is to tap the bottom of the loaf — it should sound hollow. Internal temperature with a kitchen probe thermometer should reach about 200 degrees F for fully baked bread.

Final Thoughts

Baking your own Crusty Roasted Garlic and Rosemary Bread is a truly rewarding experience that fills your home with warmth and mouthwatering aromas. It’s a perfect blend of rustic texture and rich, aromatic flavor that never fails to impress friends and family. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and give this recipe a try — you might just find yourself baking it again and again!