Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe
This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread combines fragrant garlic and fresh herbs with a rustic, crusty loaf perfect for any meal. Made with simple ingredients and baked inside a Dutch oven, this bread boasts a golden crust and a soft, chewy interior, making it an irresistible homemade treat.
- Author: liam
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 13 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 servings) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water (90-100°F)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced finely or pressed
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or combination), chopped finely
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for coating
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, fine sea salt, and instant yeast to ensure even distribution of dry components before integrating flavorings.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs throughout the dry mixture to infuse the bread with aromatic flavor.
- Incorporate Water: Pour in lukewarm water and mix with a wooden spoon until no dry flour remains; the dough will be sticky and rough in texture.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp towel and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until it has doubled in size and is bubbly on the surface.
- Shape Dough: Generously flour your work surface and hands, then gently scrape the dough onto the surface. Fold the edges toward the center to form a round loaf shape.
- Second Rest: Place the shaped dough on oiled parchment paper, cover loosely with a towel, and let it rest for 45 minutes to 1 hour to relax and rise slightly.
- Preheat Dutch Oven: Place the Dutch oven with its lid inside your oven, then preheat to 450°F for 30 minutes to ensure it is thoroughly heated.
- Bake Bread: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Using the parchment paper as a sling, lower the dough into the pot. Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife to allow expansion.
- Covered Baking: Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes to create steam that helps develop a crispy crust.
- Uncovered Baking: Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the crust achieves a deep golden brown color.
- Cool Bread: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely for at least 30 minutes before slicing to preserve texture and crumb.
Notes
- Ensure water temperature is between 90-100°F to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- The long rise time (12-18 hours) enhances flavor and gluten development.
- Preheating the Dutch oven is crucial for a crispy crust and well-baked interior.
- Score the dough just before baking to control expansion and create an appealing crust pattern.
- Letting the bread cool fully prevents it from becoming gummy inside when sliced.
Keywords: garlic herb bread, Dutch oven bread, homemade bread, rustic bread, no-knead bread, herb bread recipe