Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is a wonderfully aromatic loaf with a crisp crust and tender crumb. Infused with fresh herbs and garlic, it’s perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or just enjoying on its own. The slow fermentation and Dutch oven baking method make it surprisingly easy to create bakery-quality bread at home.

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.
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.
6. Step 6: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a ball.
7. Step 7: Place the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover it, and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
9. Step 9: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For a more pronounced garlic flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the dough.
• Try swapping fresh herbs for dried herbs, using about 1 tablespoon total.
• If you don’t have a Dutch oven, use a heavy oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid.
• Dust the top of the loaf with flour before baking to create a rustic look.

Storage

Store the bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, freeze the fully cooled loaf in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. Reheat by baking in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or to restore crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

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

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

You can use any heavy oven-safe pot with a lid, such as a cast iron skillet with a baking dish to cover. The key is to trap steam to create the crust.

Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 83 reviews

This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is a rustic, aromatic loaf with a crisp crust and soft interior, infused with fresh garlic and herbs. Made using simple ingredients and a slow fermentation process, it’s baked in a Dutch oven to achieve a perfect golden crust and an irresistible aroma. Ideal for garlic and herb lovers looking to bake artisanal-style bread at home.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 12 hours 65 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

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

Wet Ingredients and Flavorings

• 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. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
2. Add Wet Ingredients and Herbs: Pour the warm water into the dry mix, then add the minced garlic and freshly chopped herbs. Stir with a spoon until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined into a shaggy dough.
3. Rest the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours to allow the dough to ferment and develop flavor.
4. Preheat Dutch Oven: After the resting period, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a clean Dutch oven with its lid inside the oven while it heats, so it becomes very hot.
5. Prepare the Dutch Oven: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven and drizzle the bottom with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
6. Shape the Dough: Transfer the fermented dough onto a floured surface. Shape it gently into a ball, taking care not to deflate the air bubbles in the dough.
7. Bake Covered: Place the shaped dough into the prepared hot Dutch oven. Cover it with the lid and bake in the oven for 30 minutes. This traps steam and helps create a crispy crust.
8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking the bread uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and crusty.
9. Cool: Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and place it on a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to ensure the crumb sets properly.

Notes

• Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• The long fermentation time improves flavor and texture but can be adjusted to a minimum of 12 hours.
• You can use any fresh herbs you like or a combination for different flavor profiles.
• Be cautious when handling the hot Dutch oven to avoid burns.
• Allow the bread to cool completely to prevent a gummy texture inside.

Keywords: Garlic bread, Herb bread, Dutch oven bread, Artisan bread, No-knead bread, Homemade bread, Rosemary bread, Thyme bread