Crusty Roasted Garlic Bread

This quick and easy crusty roasted garlic bread is the perfect bread for someone wanting to get into bread making. The crust come out golden brown and crusty, and the inside is soft and moist.  When the bread is sliced open, it is spotted with roasted garlic chunks that add a boost in flavor. There is no need for anything special tools, just a spoon and one mixing bowl.

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice the top of the garlic to expose the cloves. Coat the head of garlic with the olive oil. Roast for 30-35 minutes or until tender and the tops are golden brown. Let the garlic cool slightly and each cloves should pop out effortless.

In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Stir until most of the yeast dissolves.

Stir in the flour and salt into the water mixture until combined. Fold in the garlic cloves. The dough will be wet and sticky. Cover with a clean towel and set in a warm area for about 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.

Sprinkle some flour on top of the dough and flour your hands. Cut the dough into 2 equal pieces. Adding flour as needed, shape the dough into a round loaf. Place the shaped dough on a wooden cutting board. Let rise uncovered for 40 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Preheat a baking stone or heavy sheet pan in the middle of the oven. Place a metal pan on the second rack directly under the baking stone or pan. Dust the stone with cornmeal to prevent sticking.

​Transfer the loaf to the preheated baking stone or pan. Pour 1 cup of hot water into the metal pan, the water will create steam that will result in a very crusty loaf. Bake for 30 minutes, the outer crust will be golden brown in color and should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Allow the bread to cool slightly prior to slicing.

Crusty Roasted Garlic Bread

40 mins, plus proofing time 2 8” loaves Ingredients: All-Purpose flour, Active Dry Yeast, Olive Oil, Water, Salt Garlic