Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is an irresistible homemade loaf with a crisp crust and aromatic flavors from fresh garlic and herbs. Perfect for casual meals or special occasions, this easy recipe yields bakery-quality bread right from your oven.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water (90-100°F)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced finely or pressed
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or combination), chopped finely
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for coating

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Add the minced garlic and chopped herbs, stirring evenly throughout the mixture.
2. Step 2: Pour in the lukewarm water and stir with a wooden spoon until no dry flour remains. The dough will be sticky and rough in texture.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until it doubles in size and becomes bubbly.
4. Step 4: Generously flour a work surface and your hands. Gently scrape the dough onto the surface and fold the edges toward the center to shape it into a round loaf.
5. Step 5: Place the shaped dough on oiled parchment paper, cover loosely with a towel, and let it rest for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
6. Step 6: Place a Dutch oven with the lid inside your oven and preheat to 450°F for 30 minutes.
7. Step 7: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Using the parchment paper as a sling, lower the dough into the pot. Score the top with a sharp knife.
8. Step 8: Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the lid and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the crust is a deep golden brown.
9. Step 9: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toss additional herbs on top of the loaf before baking.
• You can substitute fresh herbs with 2 teaspoons of dried herbs if fresh are unavailable.
• Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic for a milder taste and less moisture in dough.
• Try adding 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the dough for a cheesy twist.

Storage

Store leftover bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crust crispness. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and crusty again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use all whole wheat flour for this recipe?

Using all whole wheat flour will make the bread denser and the rise less dramatic. For best results, use all-purpose flour or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.

Do I need a special Dutch oven for baking this bread?

A heavy, oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid works best for trapping steam, which creates the perfect crust. A cast iron Dutch oven is ideal, but similar pots can work as long as they can withstand high oven heat.

Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 150 reviews

This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is a rustic, flavorful loaf infused with fresh garlic and herbs like rosemary and thyme. The no-knead method allows for an easy overnight rise, producing a crusty, golden-brown artisan bread perfect for any meal. Baking in a preheated Dutch oven ensures a crispy crust and tender crumb, making this recipe a delightful homemade bread you’ll want to bake again and again.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 13 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8–10 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast

Wet Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water (90-100°F)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced finely or pressed
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or a combination), chopped finely
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for coating

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped herbs, stirring thoroughly to distribute evenly.
2. Add Water and Form Dough: Pour in the lukewarm water and stir with a wooden spoon until there is no dry flour remaining. The dough will be sticky and somewhat rough in texture.
3. First Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, until it has doubled in size and appears bubbly on the surface.
4. Shape Dough: Generously flour a work surface and your hands. Gently scrape the dough onto the surface and fold the edges toward the center to shape it into a round loaf.
5. Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on an oiled piece of parchment paper, cover loosely with a towel, and let it rest for 45 minutes to 1 hour to rise again.
6. Preheat Dutch Oven: Place a Dutch oven with its lid inside your oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes to get it thoroughly hot.
7. Bake with Lid: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Using the parchment paper as a sling, lower the dough into the pot. Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Bake without Lid: Remove the lid and continue baking the bread uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the crust is deeply golden brown and crisp.
9. Cool Bread: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set the crumb and enhance flavor.

Notes

• Use a sharp knife or razor blade to score the dough to help it expand evenly in the oven.
• For best results, use fresh herbs and garlic to maximize flavor infusion in the bread.
• Ensure the Dutch oven is thoroughly preheated to create steam for a crispy crust.
• If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid can work as a substitute.
• Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture inside.

Keywords: Garlic bread, Dutch oven bread, herb bread, no-knead bread, artisan bread, homemade bread