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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and instant yeast, mixing well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
