Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread That Elevates Every Meal Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is a fragrant, artisan-style loaf that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. With fresh garlic and herbs baked into a crisp golden crust, it’s simple to make yet impressively delicious.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1.5 cups warm water (110°F)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and instant yeast. Use a whisk to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
2. Step 2: Pour warm water, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme into the bowl. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let rest for 12 to 18 hours.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place the Dutch oven with the lid inside to warm for about 30 minutes.
4. Step 4: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven and drizzle olive oil inside. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf.
5. Step 5: Transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the lid and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown.
7. Step 7: Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let cool completely, at least 30 minutes, before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh instant yeast and garlic to maximize flavor and ensure proper rise.
• Substitute fresh herbs with 1 tablespoon each of dried rosemary and thyme if fresh are unavailable.
• For a stronger garlic flavor, roast the garlic beforehand and mix it into the dough.
• Try adding a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese to the dough for a cheesy twist.

Storage

Store the bread in a paper bag or bread box at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh crustiness, reheat slices in a toaster or oven. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the bread. For longer storage, freeze the loaf wrapped tightly for up to 1 month and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but dissolve active dry yeast in warm water first and allow it to activate for about 5–10 minutes before mixing it with the dry ingredients.

Why does the dough need to rest for 12 to 18 hours?

This long rest, or fermentation, allows the yeast to develop flavor and creates a light, airy texture in the final bread.

Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread That Elevates Every Meal Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 148 reviews

This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is a rustic, aromatic loaf that combines fragrant garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme with a perfectly crusty exterior and soft, flavorful interior. Slow fermented overnight and baked in a hot Dutch oven, this bread elevates every meal with its homemade charm and impressive texture.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 12 hours 65 minutes (including resting/fermentation and cooling time)
• Yield: 1 large loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour or substitute with bread flour
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast (ensure it’s fresh)
• 1.5 cups warm water (110°F for optimal yeast activation)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for preventing sticking)

Instructions

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and instant yeast evenly to combine the dry ingredients thoroughly.
2. Make the Dough: Pour the warm water, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme into the dry mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let it rest and ferment at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours to develop deep flavor and a chewy texture.
3. Preheat Dutch Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the Dutch oven with its lid inside the oven to warm up for about 30 minutes, ensuring an even, hot baking environment for the bread.
4. Shape the Dough: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven. Drizzle the bottom with olive oil to prevent sticking. Turn the rested dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a round loaf, ready for baking.
5. Bake Covered: Transfer the shaped dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. This step traps steam and helps create a crisp crust.
6. Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue to bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the crust turns a deep golden-brown and develops a satisfying crunch.
7. Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely, at least 30 minutes, before slicing to let the crumb set properly.

Notes

• Use fresh yeast and fresh garlic for optimal flavor development and aroma.
• The long resting time is critical for achieving the best flavor and texture; do not rush the fermentation process.
• If desired, herbs can be adjusted or substituted to your preference for flavor variations.
• Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure the crumb finishes setting and to retain moisture.
• Ensure your Dutch oven is oven-safe at high temperatures to avoid damage or accidents.

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