Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is a simple yet flavorful recipe perfect for home bakers. With fragrant garlic and fresh herbs baked into a crusty loaf, it’s an irresistible addition to any meal or a delicious snack on its own.

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

• Use a mix of fresh herbs like oregano, basil, or parsley for different flavor profiles.
• For extra garlic flavor, lightly sauté the minced garlic before adding it to the dough.
• If you prefer a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter after baking.

Storage

Store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its crust. For longer storage, wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes 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 you should dissolve active dry yeast in warm water first and let it activate for about 5-10 minutes before mixing with other ingredients.

Do I have to use a Dutch oven for this bread?

While a Dutch oven helps create the perfect crust by trapping steam, you can also use a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid or bake on a preheated baking stone with a tray of water inside the oven to mimic the steam effect.

Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 67 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 12 hours 65 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is a fragrant, rustic loaf infused with fresh garlic and herbs, baked to perfection inside a Dutch oven for a crispy crust and soft, airy interior. Perfect for home bakers seeking an easy, no-knead artisan bread with savory flavors.

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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

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Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and instant yeast until evenly mixed.
2. Add wet ingredients: Stir in the warm water, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs until all ingredients are just combined forming a wet dough.
3. Rest the dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours to develop flavor and fermentation.
4. Preheat oven and Dutch oven: Towards the end of resting, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place your Dutch oven with its lid inside the oven to heat for at least 30 minutes.
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 dough onto a generously floured surface and gently shape it into a round ball without deflating all the air bubbles.
7. Bake with lid on: Place the shaped dough into the preheated Dutch oven and cover with the lid. Bake for 30 minutes to create steam, contributing to a crispy crust.
8. Bake uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the bread is a deep golden brown color on top.
9. Cool before slicing: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to finish the set crumb and preserve texture.

Notes

• Use warm water, about 100°F (38°C), to activate the yeast without killing it.
• You can experiment with different herbs like oregano, basil, or parsley according to your taste.
• Do not open the oven or Dutch oven during the first 30 minutes of baking to keep the steam inside for a better crust.
• Allowing the dough to rest for a longer period intensifies the flavor development.
• Ensure the Dutch oven is very hot before placing the dough inside to achieve the best crust texture.

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

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