Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is an easy and flavorful loaf that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma. With minimal ingredients and a simple overnight rest, you’ll have a crusty, soft bread that’s perfect for any meal.

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 stronger garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before mincing and adding to the dough.
• Try swapping the fresh herbs with dried if you don’t have fresh on hand; use about 1 tablespoon dried herbs.
• Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the dough for a cheesy twist.
• Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.

Storage

Store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its crusty texture. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat frozen bread in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore 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 warm water first and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy before adding it to the flour mixture. This activates the yeast properly.

Do I need a Dutch oven to make this bread?

While a Dutch oven helps create the perfect crust by trapping steam, you can use any heavy, oven-safe pot with a lid. Just ensure it’s preheated to get similar results.

Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 111 reviews

This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is a simple yet flavorful artisan-style loaf with fresh herbs and garlic, baked inside a hot Dutch oven to achieve a crisp crust and soft, airy crumb. It requires minimal hands-on time, thanks to an overnight rest, and results in a delicious homemade bread perfect for serving with soups, salads, or as a savory snack.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 12 to 18 hours 65 minutes
• Yield: 1 round loaf (about 8–10 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

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

Wet Ingredients & 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 thoroughly to form the dry base of the dough.
2. Add Wet Ingredients & Herbs: Pour in the warm water, then add the minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs. Stir everything together until a homogenous dough forms.
3. Rest the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature for 12-18 hours. This long fermentation develops flavor and texture.
4. Preheat Oven & Dutch Oven: After resting, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place your Dutch oven inside the oven to heat up for about 30 minutes, ensuring it’s thoroughly hot before baking.
5. Prepare Dutch Oven: Carefully remove the heated Dutch oven from the oven and add the tablespoon of olive oil to the bottom to prevent sticking and add flavor.
6. Shape the Dough: Transfer the fermented dough to a floured surface and gently shape it into a smooth ball, maintaining as much air inside as possible.
7. Bake Covered: Place the dough ball inside the hot Dutch oven and cover it with the lid. Bake for 30 minutes to steam the bread and develop crust.
8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking the bread for another 15-20 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and is crisp.
9. Cool Before Slicing: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This resting allows the crumb to set, making slicing easier and cleaner.

Notes

• Using fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme adds a wonderful aroma and flavor but feel free to substitute with herbs you prefer.
• The long fermentation can be adjusted between 12 to 18 hours depending on your schedule; the dough is ready when it has doubled in size and appears bubbly.
• Ensure your Dutch oven is oven-safe at high temperatures and has a tight-fitting lid for best baking results.
• Allow the bread to cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing to prevent a gummy texture inside.
• You can store this bread wrapped in a linen towel at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

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