Cooking Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and honey. Stir until the honey is dissolved. Sprinkle the instant yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
• In the same bowl, add the flour, salt, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and pepper (if using). Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
• Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the dough, gently folding it to incorporate. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
• Once the dough has risen, lightly flour a clean countertop. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and shape it into a round loaf. It doesn’t need to be perfect—rustic is the goal!
• Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes.
• While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
• If using a baking sheet, drizzle the remaining olive oil on top of the dough and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
• If using a Dutch oven, carefully remove it from the oven, place the dough inside (you can score the top for a decorative touch), cover it, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
• Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy it warm with butter or as a side to your favorite dish!