Super Easy Rosemary Bread Machine Bread: A Foolproof Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. And while the thought of baking bread might seem intimidating, especially if you’re new to it, a bread machine can make the process incredibly simple. This recipe for Super Easy Rosemary Bread Machine Bread is so straightforward that even a complete beginner can achieve bakery-quality results. It’s a fragrant, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying warm with a pat of butter.

This recipe focuses on simplicity and ease, utilizing the convenience of a bread machine while still delivering a delicious, aromatic loaf of rosemary bread. The beauty of this recipe lies in its hands-off approach. Simply measure the ingredients, toss them into your bread machine, and let the machine do all the work. No kneading, no complicated shaping, just effortless baking and a fantastic outcome.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Bread Machine Convenience:** The bread machine handles the kneading, rising, and baking, eliminating the need for manual labor.
* **Simple Ingredients:** The recipe uses readily available ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
* **Foolproof Method:** The steps are easy to follow, making it a great recipe for beginners.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The rosemary adds a fragrant and savory note that elevates the bread beyond the ordinary.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adjust the recipe to your liking, adding other herbs, cheeses, or nuts.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following ingredients:

* **Water:** 1 cup (240ml), lukewarm (around 105-115°F or 40-46°C). Lukewarm water activates the yeast.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Olive oil adds moisture and flavor to the bread.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon. Salt controls the yeast and enhances the flavor.
* **Sugar:** 1 tablespoon. Sugar provides food for the yeast and helps with browning.
* **Bread Flour:** 3 cups (360g). Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, resulting in a chewier texture. You can use all-purpose flour in a pinch, but the texture will be slightly different.
* **Active Dry Yeast:** 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 standard packet). Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best results. You can test the yeast by adding it to a small amount of warm water and sugar. If it foams up within 5-10 minutes, it’s good to use.
* **Fresh Rosemary:** 2 tablespoons, finely chopped. Fresh rosemary provides the best flavor, but you can use 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary if fresh isn’t available. If using dried rosemary, add it with the other dry ingredients.

## Equipment

* Bread Machine
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Knife or herb chopper (for chopping rosemary)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps for a perfect loaf of rosemary bread.

**Step 1: Add the Wet Ingredients**

Pour the lukewarm water into the bread machine pan. Then, add the olive oil.

**Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients**

Add the salt and sugar to the bread machine pan. Then, carefully measure the bread flour and add it to the pan, ensuring it covers the liquid ingredients. This helps prevent the yeast from coming into direct contact with the liquid ingredients too early.

**Step 3: Add the Yeast and Rosemary**

Make a small well in the center of the flour and add the active dry yeast. Sprinkle the chopped fresh rosemary evenly over the flour.

**Step 4: Select the Settings**

Place the bread machine pan into the bread machine. Close the lid. Select the following settings:

* **Bread Size:** Select the appropriate loaf size (usually 1.5 lb or 2 lb). Refer to your bread machine’s manual for guidance.
* **Crust Color:** Choose your desired crust color (light, medium, or dark). Medium is usually a good starting point.
* **Cycle:** Select the “Basic Bread” or “White Bread” cycle. If your machine has a dough cycle, you can use it and bake in a conventional oven. Check your machine’s manual for specific instructions.

**Step 5: Start the Bread Machine**

Press the start button to begin the bread-making process. The bread machine will handle the kneading, rising, and baking.

**Step 6: Monitor (Optional)**

While the bread machine is running, you can peek inside to check the dough’s consistency. If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it forms a smooth ball. If it seems too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time. However, it’s generally best to avoid opening the lid too often, as this can affect the baking process.

**Step 7: Remove the Bread**

Once the bread machine cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread pan from the machine using oven mitts. Be cautious, as the pan will be hot.

**Step 8: Cool the Bread**

Remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This allows the steam to escape, preventing the bread from becoming soggy. Allowing the bread to cool completely is crucial for easy slicing.

**Step 9: Slice and Serve**

Once the bread is cooled, slice it with a serrated bread knife and serve. Enjoy it warm with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings. It’s also great for making sandwiches or toast.

## Tips for Success

* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh yeast and rosemary will give you the best results.
* **Measure Accurately:** Accurate measurements are crucial for successful bread baking.
* **Check the Dough Consistency:** Adjust the water or flour as needed to achieve a smooth, elastic dough.
* **Don’t Open the Lid Too Often:** Opening the lid during baking can affect the bread’s rise and texture.
* **Cool Completely:** Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming soggy.
* **Use Bread Flour:** While all-purpose flour will work, bread flour will result in a chewier texture.
* **Adjust Rosemary to Taste:** If you prefer a stronger rosemary flavor, add a bit more. But don’t overdo it as it can become overpowering.

## Variations and Additions

This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Here are some ideas for variations and additions:

* **Garlic Rosemary Bread:** Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic along with the rosemary.
* **Cheese Rosemary Bread:** Add 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan or Asiago cheese along with the dry ingredients.
* **Olive Rosemary Bread:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped Kalamata olives along with the dry ingredients.
* **Sun-Dried Tomato Rosemary Bread:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) along with the dry ingredients.
* **Herb Blend:** Experiment with other herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil in addition to the rosemary.
* **Whole Wheat Rosemary Bread:** Substitute up to half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
* **Sweet Rosemary Bread:** Increase the sugar to 2-3 tablespoons and add a touch of honey for a slightly sweet bread.

## Serving Suggestions

This rosemary bread is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Sandwiches:** Use it to make delicious sandwiches with your favorite fillings.
* **Toast:** Toast it and top with butter, jam, or avocado.
* **Soup Accompaniment:** Serve it alongside a bowl of soup or stew for dipping.
* **Bruschetta:** Top slices with tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze for a simple bruschetta.
* **Croutons:** Cube the bread and bake it until crispy for homemade croutons.
* **Breadcrumbs:** Grind the bread into breadcrumbs for use in various recipes.
* **Appetizer:** Serve slices with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping as an appetizer.
* **Cheese Board:** Add slices to a cheese board for a delicious accompaniment.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the bread in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

## Troubleshooting

* **Bread Didn’t Rise:** Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the water is lukewarm (not too hot). Also, make sure you used the correct amount of yeast.
* **Bread is Dense:** This could be due to using old yeast, not enough kneading time, or too much flour. Make sure to use fresh yeast and measure your ingredients accurately.
* **Bread is Too Dry:** This could be due to not enough liquid or overbaking. Try adding a tablespoon or two more of water next time and check the bread for doneness a few minutes early.
* **Bread is Too Wet:** This could be due to too much liquid or not enough flour. Try reducing the amount of water or adding a tablespoon or two more of flour next time.
* **Crust is Too Dark:** Select a lighter crust color setting on your bread machine.
* **Crust is Too Light:** Select a darker crust color setting on your bread machine.
* **Bread Collapsed:** This could be due to over-proofing or too much liquid. Make sure you are using the correct amount of yeast and liquid.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 200-250 per slice (depending on slice thickness)
* Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-45g per slice
* Protein: Approximately 5-7g per slice
* Fat: Approximately 5-7g per slice

This rosemary bread machine recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, homemade bread with minimal effort. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s a recipe that anyone can master. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your bread machine, and get ready to enjoy a delicious loaf of rosemary-infused goodness! Enjoy!

## Recipe Card

**Super Easy Rosemary Bread Machine Bread**

**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** Varies depending on bread machine cycle (usually 3-4 hours)
**Yield:** 1 loaf

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (240ml) lukewarm water (105-115°F or 40-46°C)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 3 cups (360g) bread flour
* 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 standard packet) active dry yeast
* 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary

**Instructions:**

1. Add the lukewarm water and olive oil to the bread machine pan.
2. Add the salt and sugar.
3. Add the bread flour, ensuring it covers the liquid ingredients.
4. Make a small well in the center of the flour and add the active dry yeast.
5. Sprinkle the chopped fresh rosemary evenly over the flour.
6. Place the bread machine pan into the bread machine. Close the lid.
7. Select the bread size, crust color, and cycle (Basic Bread or White Bread).
8. Press the start button.
9. Once the bread machine cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread pan from the machine.
10. Remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
11. Slice and serve. Enjoy!

**Notes:**

* Use fresh ingredients for the best results.
* Measure accurately.
* Adjust rosemary to taste.
* See variations and additions section for more ideas.