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Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

5 from 101 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs throughout the dry mixture to infuse the bread with aromatic flavor.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Covered Baking: Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes to create steam that helps develop a crispy crust.
  10. Uncovered Baking: Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the crust achieves a deep golden brown color.
  11. 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