Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread with this Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread recipe. It’s simple to prepare and yields a crusty, flavorful loaf infused with garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect for any meal or as a tasty snack.

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 richer flavor, try adding grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese with the herbs.
• Use a mix of fresh herbs depending on what you have on hand, such as sage or oregano.
• If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid will also work.
• Dust the dough with cornmeal or extra flour before baking for a rustic crust.

Storage

Store the bread in a paper bag or bread box at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat slices in a toaster or warm the whole loaf in the oven to refresh the crust.

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 sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy before mixing with the dry ingredients.

Why does the dough need to rest for so long?

The long rest allows the dough to ferment slowly, developing flavor and texture while making it easier to digest. This no-knead method also produces a light, airy crumb.

Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 80 reviews

A rustic and flavorful Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread recipe featuring a simple no-knead dough infused with fresh garlic and herbs. This bread is baked in a preheated Dutch oven to achieve a perfect golden crust and tender interior, making it an ideal homemade artisan loaf.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 12 hours 65 minutes (including resting time)
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8–10 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

• 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 base of your dough.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the warm water, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a sticky dough.
3. Rest the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours, enabling slow fermentation for enhanced flavor and texture.
4. Preheat Dutch Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a clean Dutch oven inside to heat thoroughly, which helps form a crispy crust during baking.
5. Prepare the Dutch Oven: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven using heatproof gloves and add olive oil to the bottom to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
6. Shape the Dough: Transfer the rested dough onto a floured surface and shape it gently into a round ball suitable for the Dutch oven size.
7. Bake Bread Covered: Place the dough ball into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes to trap steam and create an ideal crust.
8. Bake Bread Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the bread turns a beautiful golden brown color.
9. Cool the Bread: Remove the bread carefully from the Dutch oven and cool on a wire rack completely before slicing to ensure the crumb sets perfectly.

Notes

• Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Feel free to experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano for varied flavors.
• The long fermentation time is crucial for developing the bread’s texture and taste.
• Be careful handling the hot Dutch oven to avoid burns.
• Allow the bread to cool fully; slicing too early can result in a gummy texture.

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