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Cozy Garlic Rosemary Challah Bread

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A warm, fragrant challah bread infused with roasted garlic and fresh rosemary, perfect for family feasts and cozy dinners. This easy homemade recipe balances savory and slightly sweet flavors with a soft, pillowy texture and crispy crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 4 cloves roasted garlic, mashed into a paste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
  • Coarse sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Prepare the roasted garlic: Roast 4 garlic cloves in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 20 minutes until soft and golden. Cool and mash into a smooth paste.
  3. Mix the dough: Add eggs, olive oil, sugar, salt, roasted garlic paste, and rosemary to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the flour gradually, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface or with a mixer dough hook for 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
  6. First rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  7. Shape the challah: Punch down dough, divide into three equal portions, roll each into 16-inch ropes, and braid tightly. Tuck ends underneath.
  8. Second rise: Place braided dough on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  10. Brush braid with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sea salt if desired.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  12. Cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Roast garlic to mellow sharpness and add depth. Keep dough in a warm, draft-free spot for rising. Don’t pull braid too tight to allow expansion. Let bread cool before slicing to avoid gummy texture. Tent with foil if crust browns too fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: challah bread, garlic bread, rosemary bread, homemade bread, braided bread, family feast bread, roasted garlic challah

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/cozy-garlic-rosemary-challah-bread-recipe-easy-homemade-family-feast-guide/