Nothing compares to the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread recipe delivers a golden, crunchy crust with a soft, pillowy interior bursting with aromatic herbs and roasted garlic. Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy breakfasts, or impressing guests, this no-knead bread transforms simple pantry staples into bakery-quality artisan bread with minimal effort.
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Whether you’re serving it alongside pasta, dipping it in olive oil, or turning it into gourmet garlic toast, this recipe guarantees a show-stopping loaf every time.
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Ingredients
For the Garlic Herb Dough:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 teaspoons (10g) fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2g) instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups (355ml) lukewarm water (90-100°F)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or a mix), finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil, for coating
Optional Variations:
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- 1 cup shredded cheese for cheesy garlic herb bread
- Half all-purpose flour replaced with whole wheat for nuttier flavor
Instructions for Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and yeast. Stir in minced garlic and chopped herbs, evenly distributing throughout the mixture.
Step 2: Add Water and Mix
Pour in lukewarm water and stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
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Step 3: First Rise
Let the dough rest in a draft-free area at room temperature for 12-18 hours until doubled and bubbly. The long, slow fermentation develops rich flavor and airy texture.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Flour your hands and work surface. Gently scrape dough onto surface and fold edges toward the center to create a round loaf. Place on oiled parchment paper, cover loosely, and let rest for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 5: Preheat Dutch Oven
Preheat your Dutch oven with lid in the oven at 450°F (232°C) for 30 minutes to create a professional steam environment.
Step 6: Score and Bake
Carefully transfer dough (on parchment) into the hot Dutch oven. Score the top with a sharp knife or bread lame. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then remove lid and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until deep golden brown.
Step 7: Cool
Lift the bread out of the Dutch oven and transfer to a wire rack. Let cool at least 30 minutes before slicing to preserve the texture and avoid a gummy crumb.
Pro Tips
- Perfect Dough Texture: Dough should be wet and sticky; don’t over-flour. This ensures open, airy pockets.
- Preheat Correctly: A fully preheated Dutch oven creates steam, giving a bakery-style crust.
- Timing: Warmer kitchens may shorten first rise; cooler environments may require longer.
Why This Recipe Works
- No-Knead Method: Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
- Slow Fermentation: Long rise develops complex, savory notes.
- Crispy Crust & Soft Interior: Dutch oven mimics professional bakery conditions at home.
- Versatile: Pairs with pasta, soups, salads, or enjoyed plain.
Substitutions & Variations
- Cheese Garlic Herb Bread: Add 1 cup shredded parmesan, gruyere, or cheddar.
- Whole Wheat Variation: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat, adding extra water if needed.
- Roasted Garlic Version: Swap raw garlic for 10-12 roasted cloves for sweeter, mellow flavor.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide
- Room Temperature: Store 2-3 days in a paper bag or wrapped in a kitchen towel.
- Freezing: Slice and freeze for up to 3 months. Toast directly from freezer.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh the crust.
Serving Ideas for Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread
- Serve with pasta or hearty soups
- Make garlic toast or bruschetta
- Cube for croutons in salads
- Pair with cheeses and charcuterie boards
Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active dry yeast?
Yes, dissolve in lukewarm water for 5 minutes before mixing.
What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
Use a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet with a pan of boiling water for steam.
Why is my bread dense?
Ensure the full rise time and avoid adding extra flour.
Can I speed up baking?
Yes, reduce first rise to 8-10 hours in warmer conditions or slightly increase yeast, but flavor may be less developed.
How do I know it’s fully baked?
Crust should be deep golden; hollow sound when tapped. Internal temp: 205-210°F.
This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread recipe transforms simple ingredients into artisan-quality bread at home. With a crackly crust, soft interior, and rich herb-garlic aroma, it elevates any meal and delights every guest. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and again.
Enjoy warm slices plain, with butter, or alongside your favorite dishes. Baking bread has never been this effortless—and delicious!
Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread
Equipment
- Dutch oven with lid
- Mixing bowl
- wooden spoon
- parchment paper
- wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water (90–100°F)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for coating)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and yeast. Stir in minced garlic and chopped herbs.
- Add lukewarm water and stir until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl tightly.
- Let dough rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours until doubled and bubbly.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently shape into a round loaf. Place on oiled parchment and rest for 45–60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) with Dutch oven and lid inside for 30 minutes.
- Transfer dough into hot Dutch oven, score the top, cover, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove lid and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until deeply golden.
- Transfer bread to a wire rack and cool at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
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