Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is a wonderfully fragrant and crusty loaf perfect for any meal. With simple ingredients and an easy overnight rise, it delivers impressive bakery-quality bread right from your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as rosemary and thyme), chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and instant yeast.
2. Step 2: Add the warm water, minced garlic, and chopped herbs to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 12-18 hours at room temperature to develop flavor and texture.
4. Step 4: After resting, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven inside to heat up.
5. Step 5: Once the oven is hot, carefully remove the Dutch oven and add olive oil to the bottom to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and shape it gently into a round ball.
7. Step 7: Place the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover it with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crusty.
9. Step 9: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to allow the crumb to set.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of fresh herbs or dried if fresh aren’t available, adjusting quantity to taste.
• For extra garlic flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the dough.
• Try adding a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese for a savory twist.
• Make smaller rolls by dividing the dough before baking if preferred.

Storage

Store the cooled bread in a paper bag or bread box at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread wrapped tightly, then toast slices directly from the freezer for best freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but dissolve active dry yeast in the warm water first and let it proof for 5-10 minutes before mixing with dry ingredients.

Do I need a Dutch oven to make this bread?

A Dutch oven helps create steam for a crispy crust, but you can use a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid or bake on a preheated baking stone with a pan of water for steam.

Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 110 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 12 hours 45 minutes to 18 hours 50 minutes (including rise time)
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8–10 servings) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread combines the rustic charm of a crusty, golden loaf with the vibrant flavors of fresh garlic and herbs. Using a simple no-knead method and slow fermentation, this bread develops a wonderfully chewy texture and aromatic aroma. Baked in a hot Dutch oven, it creates a crisp, crackling crust that makes it perfect as a savory side or for sandwiches.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water

Flavorings & Add-ins

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as rosemary and thyme), chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and instant yeast thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
2. Add wet ingredients and flavorings. Stir in the warm water, minced garlic, and freshly chopped herbs until a sticky dough forms.
3. Let dough ferment. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, allowing it to rise and develop complex flavor.
4. Preheat oven and Dutch oven. About 30 minutes before baking, place a Dutch oven with its lid inside your oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) to get it thoroughly hot.
5. Prepare Dutch oven. Carefully remove the heated Dutch oven from the oven and drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil in the bottom to prevent sticking and add flavor.
6. Shape the dough. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf without deflating it too much.
7. Bake covered. Place the dough ball into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes to trap steam for a crispy crust.
8. Bake uncovered. Remove the lid and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the bread is deeply golden brown and crisp.
9. Cool before slicing. Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely to finish the baking process internally and to avoid gummy slices.

Notes

• For best flavor, use fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme, but you can substitute dried herbs if needed (reduce quantity to 1 tablespoon).
• The long fermentation time allows gluten to develop without kneading, providing a chewy texture.
• If you don’t have a Dutch oven, use any heavy, oven-safe pot with a lid that can hold heat and steam.
• Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to activate yeast without killing it.
• Letting the bread cool completely is essential for slicing to avoid a gummy crumb.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Dutch oven bread, garlic herb bread, no-knead bread, homemade bread recipe, artisan bread, easy bread recipe