Rosemary Olive Oil Artisan Rolls

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 4 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• Extra olive oil for coating
• Additional chopped rosemary for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
2. Add the extra virgin olive oil and chopped fresh rosemary to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
3. Gradually add the bread flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if needed, but keep the dough slightly tacky.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air bubbles.
7. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Divide the dough into equal-sized portions and shape them into round rolls. Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll.
9. Cover the rolls loosely with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
10. Using a sharp knife or blade, make a few slashes on the top of each roll. Optionally, brush the rolls with a little olive oil and sprinkle chopped rosemary on top for added flavor.
11. Bake the rosemary olive oil artisan rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
12. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

These aromatic rosemary olive oil artisan rolls are perfect for serving alongside meals or as a tasty accompaniment to soups and salads. Enjoy the combination of fragrant rosemary and rich olive oil in these flavorful homemade rolls!