Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the comforting aroma and rustic flavor of homemade bread with this Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread recipe. It’s simple to prepare and yields a crusty, fragrant loaf perfect for any meal.

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.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for different flavor profiles.
• Sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on top before baking for a crunchy crust.
• Let the dough rest overnight for a deeper flavor development.
• If you don’t have a Dutch oven, use a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid instead.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh the crust, warm it in the oven for 5-10 minutes before serving. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight bag, then toast or reheat slices as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but activate the active dry yeast in warm water for about 5-10 minutes before mixing it with the dry ingredients.

Why do I need to preheat the Dutch oven?

Preheating the Dutch oven creates the ideal environment for a crispy crust and helps the bread rise evenly during baking.

Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 56 reviews

This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is a rustic, flavorful homemade loaf infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. Using a simple mix of flour, yeast, and water, this no-knead bread develops a perfect crust and tender crumb through a slow overnight rise and baking in a preheated Dutch oven, creating a bakery-quality loaf perfect for any meal.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 12 hours 45 minutes to 18 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm water, then add the minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs. Stir the mixture until a shaggy dough forms, making sure everything is well incorporated.
3. First Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. This slow fermentation develops flavor and a light, airy texture.
4. Preheat Oven and Dutch Oven: After the long rest, place a clean Dutch oven with its lid in your oven and preheat it to 450°F (230°C). This ensures the pot is hot enough to create steam and bake the bread properly.
5. Prepare Dutch Oven: Carefully remove the heated Dutch oven from the oven, and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the bottom to lightly grease it.
6. Shape Dough: Transfer the risen dough onto a well-floured surface. Shape it gently into a smooth ball without deflating it too much to maintain air pockets.
7. Bake Covered: Place the dough ball into the hot Dutch oven and cover it with the lid. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes to allow the bread to steam and rise fully.
8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking the bread for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and crisp.

Notes

• Use warm water around 100-110°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Resting the dough overnight allows for better gluten development and flavor.
• Be very careful when handling the hot Dutch oven to avoid burns.
• Add your choice of fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano to customize the flavor.
• Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to finish the baking process internally.

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