Crispy Garlic Herb Bread – Bakery-Quality Loaf at Home!

There’s something truly magical about baking your own bread, and this Garlic and Herb Artisan Bread is the perfect recipe to start with.

With a crispy golden crust, a soft and airy interior, and the aromatic blend of garlic and fresh herbs, this bread is an irresistible homemade delight.

Unlike store-bought loaves, this artisan bread is made with simple, wholesome ingredients and requires minimal effort—no kneading needed!

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this foolproof recipe will help you achieve bakery-quality bread right in your kitchen.

Enjoy it warm with a drizzle of olive oil, serve it alongside your favorite soup, or use it to make the ultimate sandwich.

Once you experience the incredible flavor and texture of homemade garlic and herb bread, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic and Herb Artisan Bread

Bursting with Flavor – The combination of garlic and fresh herbs infuses the bread with a rich, savory aroma that’s irresistible.

No Kneading Required – This is a low-maintenance recipe that delivers high-quality results without the effort of kneading.

Perfectly Crispy Crust – Baked in a Dutch oven or on a baking stone, this bread achieves that classic, crunchy artisan crust.

Soft and Airy Interior – Thanks to slow fermentation, the inside stays fluffy and tender, making it perfect for dipping, toasting, or enjoying as is.

Simple, Wholesome Ingredients – No preservatives or artificial flavors—just fresh, natural ingredients that bring out the best in every bite.

Versatile and Customizable – Experiment with different herbs, add cheese, or even roast the garlic for a deeper, sweeter flavor.

Essential Ingredients for Garlic and Herb Artisan Bread

Flour – The Foundation of Great Bread

Bread flour is ideal for a chewier texture, but all-purpose flour works just as well.

If you prefer a heartier loaf, whole wheat flour can be partially substituted.

Yeast – The Key to a Perfect Rise

Use instant yeast for a quick mix-and-rise process or active dry yeast if you prefer a traditional approach.

Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best results.

Garlic – The Star Ingredient

Freshly minced garlic adds a bold, pungent kick, while roasted garlic gives a milder, slightly sweet depth of flavor.

Garlic powder can be used for convenience but won’t deliver the same intensity.

Herbs – The Flavor Boosters

A blend of rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil works wonderfully in this recipe.

Fresh herbs provide the most vibrant flavor, but dried herbs can be used if fresh ones aren’t available.

Salt and Sugar – Enhancing the Taste

Salt not only adds flavor but also strengthens the gluten structure. A pinch of sugar helps with yeast activation and balances the flavors.

Olive Oil – Richness and Moisture

A little olive oil enhances the softness of the crumb while adding a hint of richness to the overall taste.

Water – The Right Temperature Matters

Lukewarm water (around 100-110°F) helps activate the yeast properly.

Too hot, and it will kill the yeast; too cold, and the dough won’t rise as expected.

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Tools You’ll Need

To achieve the best results when baking Garlic and Herb Artisan Bread, having the right tools is essential.

These items will make the process smoother and help create a perfectly textured loaf.

Mixing Bowl – For Combining Ingredients

A large mixing bowl allows enough space for the dough to expand as it rises.

Choose a bowl with a cover or use plastic wrap to trap moisture.

Wooden Spoon or Dough Scraper – For Easy Mixing

Since this is a no-knead bread, a sturdy wooden spoon or dough scraper helps mix the ingredients evenly without overworking the dough.

Dutch Oven or Baking Stone – For Artisan-Style Baking

A Dutch oven is ideal because it traps steam, creating a crispy crust and evenly baked loaf.

If you don’t have one, a baking stone with an oven-safe dish of water will work.

Parchment Paper – For Easy Handling

Prevents sticking and makes it easier to transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven or onto a baking stone.

Kitchen Scale – For Precision

Measuring by weight ensures consistency, especially when working with flour, which can be compacted differently when measured by volume.

Proofing Basket (Optional) – For a Beautiful Shape

A proofing basket (banneton) helps the dough maintain its shape during the final rise and creates decorative ridges on the crust.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic and Herb Artisan Bread

This easy, no-knead method allows the dough to develop rich flavors over time, resulting in a beautifully rustic, bakery-style bread.

Step 1: Mixing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, salt, garlic, and herbs until well combined.
2. Pour in lukewarm water and olive oil, then stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours. This long fermentation builds incredible flavor and texture.

Step 2: Shaping and Second Rise

1. Lightly flour a surface and gently turn out the dough, being careful not to deflate too much air.
2. With floured hands, fold the dough into a round loaf shape. If using a proofing basket, place the dough inside, seam-side up.
3. Cover and let it rest for another 30-60 minutes while preheating the oven.

Step 3: Baking for the Perfect Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it inside to heat up.
2. Once preheated, carefully transfer the dough onto parchment paper and place it into the hot Dutch oven.
3. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
4. The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom or when an instant-read thermometer reads 200-210°F (93-99°C).

Step 4: Cooling and Serving

1. Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps set the crumb and prevents it from becoming gummy.
2. Enjoy fresh, toasted, or dipped in olive oil for the best experience!

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Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting Tips

Even with a simple recipe like Garlic and Herb Artisan Bread, small mistakes can affect the outcome. Here’s how to avoid the most common issues and troubleshoot any problems.

Dough Too Sticky or Too Dry

✔ Solution: The dough should be slightly sticky but still manageable. If it’s too dry, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too wet, sprinkle a little flour while shaping—but avoid adding too much, as it can make the bread dense.

Bread Didn’t Rise Properly

✔ Solution: Check your yeast freshness by dissolving a small amount in warm water with a pinch of sugar. If it bubbles within 5-10 minutes, it’s active. If not, use fresh yeast. Also, make sure your dough is rising in a warm, draft-free spot.

Crust Too Hard or Too Soft

✔ Solution: If the crust is too hard, try reducing the baking time by 5 minutes or brushing it lightly with butter after baking. If the crust is too soft, ensure you’re baking at the right temperature (450°F/232°C) and letting the bread cool completely before storing it.

Bread is Too Dense or Gummy

✔ Solution: Avoid over-handling the dough after fermentation. Also, make sure the bread is fully baked—use an instant-read thermometer to check if it has reached 200-210°F (93-99°C) inside.

Bread Sticks to the Dutch Oven or Baking Stone

✔ Solution: Always use parchment paper to prevent sticking, and preheat your Dutch oven properly before placing the dough inside.

Conclusion

Making Garlic and Herb Artisan Bread at home is an incredibly rewarding experience. With minimal effort, you can create a beautifully rustic loaf packed with flavor and texture.

The combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and a crispy crust makes this bread perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving it with a hearty soup, as a side for pasta, or simply enjoying it with butter.

Baking bread may seem intimidating at first, but once you try this no-knead method, you’ll realize how simple and satisfying it is. Experiment with different herbs, add cheese for an extra kick, or even roast the garlic for a sweeter taste.

Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe, and let me know how it turns out. Share your results, ask questions, or leave a comment below—I’d love to hear about your baking journey!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?

Yes! If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can bake the bread on a preheated baking stone with an oven-safe dish of hot water on the lower rack to create steam. This helps achieve a crispy crust.

2. How do I store the bread to keep it fresh?

Store the bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and make the crust soggy.

3. Can I freeze this bread?

Absolutely! Let the bread cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It stays fresh for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

4. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes! Use one-third of the amount when substituting dried herbs, as they are more concentrated in flavor. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, use 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary.

5. Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, but you’ll need a gluten-free bread flour blend that contains xanthan gum for structure. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, and you might need to adjust the water ratio.

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