Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

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Golden, crusty, and irresistibly fragrant, this Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is the ultimate comfort bake. With buttery garlic, melted mozzarella inside, and a crispy herb-parmesan topping, this bread is baked in a cast iron skillet for an old-world charm and an unbeatable flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that turns simple ingredients into a centerpiece.

Perfect as a party appetizer, cozy dinner side, or snack with dipping sauce, this skillet bread pulls apart beautifully, revealing gooey cheese and savory garlic in every bite. The aroma alone will bring everyone to the kitchen before it’s even out of the oven.

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Why You’ll Love This Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

This bread is the definition of homemade indulgence. Baked in a cast iron skillet, it gets that perfect crispy bottom and soft, chewy center. The garlic-butter topping caramelizes under the broiler, giving each piece a toasted crunch and savory flavor. The addition of fresh rosemary brings a depth that’s both earthy and aromatic. Plus, it’s fun to pull apart!

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking to impress with a side dish, or just want something cozy on a Sunday night, this skillet bread delivers flavor, texture, and wow factor every time.

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What Kind of Dough Should I Use?

For the best results, use fresh pizza dough. Store-bought or homemade both work great, as long as it’s soft, pliable, and not too dry. Pizza dough gives this skillet bread that wonderful chewy bite while allowing it to rise nicely and hold all the garlicky, cheesy goodness. If you prefer a shortcut, many grocery stores sell pre-made dough in the refrigerated section near the deli or bakery.

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Ingredients for the Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

Each ingredient in this skillet bread plays a key role in creating the ultimate flavor and texture.

• Pizza Dough – The base of the bread, offering a chewy and airy interior when baked.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Stuffed inside the dough balls for a melty, gooey surprise in every bite.
• Unsalted Butter – Used to make the garlic butter mixture that coats the top of the bread.
• Fresh Garlic – Finely minced to infuse the butter with intense garlicky flavor.
• Fresh Rosemary – Adds a piney, earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with garlic.
• Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkled on top to create a salty, umami crust.
• Chopped Parsley – For freshness and color in the garlic butter topping.
• Olive Oil – Coats the skillet to help crisp the bread’s bottom and prevent sticking.
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the bread.

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How To Make the Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

Step 1: Prep the Dough

Lightly flour your surface and divide the pizza dough into equal pieces. Flatten each piece and stuff it with a cube of mozzarella. Seal and roll into a ball.

Step 2: Grease the Skillet

Drizzle olive oil generously in a cast iron skillet, coating the bottom and sides.

Step 3: Arrange and Rise

Place the dough balls in a circular pattern in the skillet. Cover with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until slightly puffy.

Step 4: Make Garlic Butter Topping

While the dough is rising, melt butter in a saucepan. Add minced garlic, rosemary, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Cook gently until fragrant.

Step 5: Brush and Sprinkle

Once risen, brush the dough generously with the garlic butter. Sprinkle the tops with grated parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden and bubbly with cheese.

Step 7: Broil for a Crunchy Top

For an extra crispy top, broil on high for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Serve hot, straight from the skillet, with optional marinara or extra garlic butter for dipping.

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How to Serve and Store Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread

This skillet bread is best served warm, straight from the pan, when the cheese is gooey and the crust is crisp. It can feed about 6 to 8 people as a shared appetizer or 4 people as a hearty side dish.

If you have leftovers, let the bread cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bread back in the skillet or a toaster oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to bring back the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread chewy and soggy.

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What to Serve With Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread?

This bread pairs beautifully with a variety of meals and dips. Here are some delicious ideas:

Marinara Sauce

Perfect for dipping and adds a tangy tomato contrast to the cheesy, garlicky bread.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

The ultimate cozy combo – dunk a warm piece into a bowl of this rich soup.

Grilled Chicken or Steak

Makes a flavorful side that complements juicy grilled meats.

Antipasto Platter

Serve alongside cured meats, olives, and cheese for a complete appetizer spread.

Caesar Salad

The crispness and tang of Caesar salad balance out the richness of the bread.

Roasted Vegetables

A wholesome pairing that brings out the herby garlic notes.

White Bean Dip or Hummus

Creamy, protein-packed dips that go great with warm, chewy bread.

Baked Brie or Goat Cheese

Let the bread scoop up melted cheese for the ultimate indulgence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of cubed mozzarella?

Yes, but cubed mozzarella melts into larger, gooier pockets inside the bread, while shredded cheese may not hold the same texture. If using shredded, make sure it’s tightly packed into the dough balls.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

No problem! You can use any oven-safe round baking dish or even a cake pan. The crust may not get as crispy, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

You can prep the dough balls and arrange them in the skillet up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

How do I make this bread spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or use a spicy marinara for dipping. You can also stuff in a little chopped jalapeño with the cheese.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian. Just be sure to use vegetarian-friendly cheeses (some parmesan may contain animal rennet).

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra herbs or go bold with spicy cheese? Did you pair it with soup or pasta?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

For more of my daily recipes and food inspiration, check out my Pinterest here: Life With Livia Pinterest.

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Conclusion

Rustic Garlic Rosemary Skillet Bread is more than just a side – it’s a showstopper. With its golden crust, cheesy core, and rich garlicky flavor, this bread is sure to win over guests and family alike. It’s simple enough for a casual night in, but impressive enough for any gathering. If you try it once, it might just become your new go-to comfort bake.

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