Save to Pinterest 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 our family, bringing warmth and festive spirit to the table every year.
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 to Pinterest Our family loves sharing this bread with guests during the holidays, making every gathering more 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 to Pinterest This bread is a wonderful addition to any festive meal and is sure to impress your guests.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → What type of flour is best for this bread?
Bread flour works best, providing the right protein content for a chewy and elastic crumb structure.
- → How long should the dough rise?
Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, usually about 1 hour, followed by a 30-minute rest after shaping for optimal texture.
- → Can I add other toppings to the bread?
Yes, halved cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced olives can be added before baking for extra flavor and color.
- → What is the ideal oven temperature for baking?
Bake the bread at 220°C (425°F) to achieve a deep golden crust and fully cooked interior.
- → How should the bread be stored after baking?
Store the bread at room temperature wrapped loosely in foil or a cloth to maintain crust crispness; reheat gently before serving.
- → Is this bread suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, it contains only plant-based ingredients, making it suitable for vegetarians.