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Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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