Quick Description
A fluffy, golden homemade bread baked in a skillet, brushed with garlic butter, and sprinkled with herbs. Perfect for soups, pasta, or as a side for any meal.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 8 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (active)
- Resting/Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients List
Bread Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar (helps activate yeast)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Garlic Herb Topping
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or oregano, parsley, or Italian herbs)
- ½ tsp coarse salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Dough: Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead: Transfer to a floured surface; knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Or use stand mixer with dough hook for 5–6 minutes.)
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, until doubled.
- Prepare Skillet: Grease a cast-iron skillet with olive oil. Punch down dough and shape into a round loaf. Place into skillet.
- Second Rise: Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Make Garlic Herb Mixture: Mix olive oil (or butter) with minced garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Brush over dough.
- Bake: Place skillet in oven and bake 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and crusty. Internal temp should reach 190°F (88°C).
- Cool & Slice: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Brush with extra garlic herb oil if desired
Additional Notes
- Cast-iron skillet gives best crust, but you can use any oven-safe pan.
- Fresh herbs add more flavor, but dried herbs work perfectly too.
- Bread can be shaped into rolls instead of one loaf
Dietary Info
- Vegetarian
- Can be Vegan (if using olive oil instead of butter)
- Nut-Free
- High-Carb Comfort Food
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Flour: All-purpose works best. For chewier bread, use bread flour.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness; substitute melted butter for a more decadent flavor.
- Herbs: Rosemary + thyme is classic, but basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning works too.
- Garlic: Fresh gives strongest flavor; garlic powder can be substituted (½ tsp).
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan before baking.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes to the garlic butter topping.
- Stuffed Version: Fold in roasted garlic or caramelized onions into dough before baking.
- Dipping Ideas: Serve with marinara, olive oil + balsamic vinegar, or soup.
