Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is a simple yet flavorful loaf that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. With just a few basic ingredients and an easy overnight rest, you can enjoy crusty, homemade bread loaded with fresh garlic and herbs.

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 softer crust, brush the bread with melted butter right after baking.
• Try mixing in other fresh herbs like basil or oregano for different flavor profiles.
• If you don’t have instant yeast, you can substitute with active dry yeast but dissolve it in warm water first.
• Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking gives added crunch and flavor.

Storage

Store the bread in a paper bag or bread box at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crispness. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm the bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to refresh the crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs with dried ones, but reduce the amount to about one-third as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Do I have to use a Dutch oven?

A Dutch oven helps create steam that forms a perfect crust, but if you don’t have one, you can bake the dough on a preheated baking stone and place a pan of water in the oven to generate steam.

Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 83 reviews

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

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Description

This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is a wonderfully fragrant and crusty loaf that combines the rustic charm of a no-knead bread with the bold flavors of fresh garlic and herbs. Baked in a Dutch oven to achieve a perfectly crispy crust and soft, airy interior, this recipe is ideal for bread lovers looking to add a flavorful homemade touch to their baking repertoire.

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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, mixing well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
2. Add Wet Ingredients and Mix: Pour in the warm water, then add the minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs to the dry mixture. Stir together until a sticky dough forms and all components are well incorporated.
3. Let Dough Rest: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. This long fermentation creates a flavorful, airy texture and develops the dough.
4. Preheat Oven and Dutch Oven: After resting, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a clean Dutch oven inside the oven to heat up thoroughly for even baking and crust development.
5. Prepare Dutch Oven: Carefully remove the heated Dutch oven from the oven and pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the bottom to prevent sticking and add flavor.
6. Shape Dough: Transfer the rested dough onto a floured surface and shape it gently into a smooth ball, being careful not to deflate it too much to retain air pockets.
7. Bake Covered: Place the shaped dough directly into the hot, oiled Dutch oven and cover it with the lid. Bake for 30 minutes to develop steam and crust.
8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid from the Dutch oven and continue baking the bread uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and crisp.
9. Cool Bread: Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing, allowing the crumb to set properly.

Notes

• This is a no-knead bread recipe relying on long fermentation for texture and flavor.
• Ensure the Dutch oven is very hot before placing the dough inside for optimal crust formation.
• You can experiment with different herbs such as oregano or basil based on your preference.
• Store leftover bread in a paper bag to maintain crust crispness; it is best eaten within 2 days.
• Letting the bread cool fully before slicing prevents a gummy texture inside.

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

Keywords: Garlic Herb Bread, Dutch Oven Bread, No-Knead Bread, Homemade Bread, Rustic Bread, Artisan Bread