Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups
- Warm Water (105°F-115°F): 1 1/2 cups
- Active Dry Yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons
- Kosher Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (divided)
- Fresh Rosemary: 2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
- Garlic: 4 cloves (minced)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until frothy. Add the flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy, cohesive dough forms (it will be sticky). Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Step 2: While the dough rises, prepare the skillet and flavorings. Pour 1/4 cup of olive oil into a 10-inch cast iron skillet, ensuring the bottom and sides are fully coated. In a small separate bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic and chopped rosemary.
- Step 3: Gently deflate the risen dough and transfer it to the prepared cast iron skillet. Using oiled hands, press and stretch the dough until it mostly fills the base of the skillet. Use your fingertips to create deep dimples across the entire surface of the bread.
- Step 4: Drizzle the reserved garlic and rosemary olive oil mixture evenly over the dimpled dough. Let the dough rest in the skillet for a final quick proof (about 20-30 minutes) while you preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 5: Bake the skillet bread on the center rack for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). Immediately transfer the hot bread from the skillet to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For maximum freshness, store any leftovers at room temperature in a tightly sealed container; if keeping longer than two days, slice and freeze the bread to prevent it from drying out.
- To revive the beautiful crispy bottom crust and warm the aromatics, tent slices loosely in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or toast briefly in a dry skillet.
- Serve this intensely flavored bread alongside a hearty tomato-based soup or a slow-cooked beef stew, or slice thick pieces for dipping into high-quality balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
- When creating the deep dimples, be sure your fingers gently touch the bottom of the skillet; this creates the perfect pockets for the garlic and rosemary oil to pool, distributing flavor throughout the crumb as it bakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American