Description
This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is a flavorful, crusty artisan loaf infused with minced garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Using a simple no-knead method and slow fermentation, this bread develops a chewy, airy crumb and a beautifully golden crust baked to perfection in a preheated Dutch oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough 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 a combination), chopped finely
For Baking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for coating the parchment paper and Dutch oven
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, fine sea salt, and instant yeast to evenly distribute the yeast and salt throughout the flour.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir the minced garlic and finely chopped fresh herbs throughout the flour mixture to infuse the dough with aromatic flavors.
- Add Water and Form Dough: Pour in lukewarm water and stir 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 let the dough rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, or until it has doubled in size and looks bubbly on the surface.
- Shape the Dough: Generously flour a work surface and your hands. Gently scrape the dough out onto the surface and fold the edges toward the center to form a round loaf shape.
- Second Rise: Transfer the shaped dough onto an oiled piece of parchment paper. Cover loosely with a towel and let it rest for 45 minutes to 1 hour to allow final proofing.
- Preheat Dutch Oven: Place your Dutch oven with the lid inside in the oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C) for 30 minutes to get it thoroughly hot.
- Bake the Bread: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Using the parchment as a sling, lower the dough into the pot. Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife to help it expand during baking. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the lid and bake the bread uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until it is deep golden brown and crusty on top.
- Cool Before Slicing: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and transfer to a wire rack. Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure the crumb has set properly.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh herbs and adjust garlic quantity to taste.
- The long fermentation allows flavors to develop and improves the dough texture.
- Be careful when handling the hot Dutch oven to avoid burns.
- Cooling is important to prevent the bread from becoming gummy inside when sliced.
- This recipe can be adapted with different herbs or garlic powder if fresh herbs are unavailable.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic Bread, Dutch Oven Bread, Artisan Bread, Homemade Bread, No-Knead Bread, Herb Bread, Crispy Crust Bread
