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Herb Garlic Dutch Oven Bread

Herb Garlic Dutch Oven Bread

Linda M. Harris
Herb Garlic Dutch Oven Bread is a flavorful, rustic loaf of bread made with fresh garlic, aromatic herbs, and a crispy golden crust.
Baked in a Dutch oven, this bread turns out perfectly every time—soft and airy on the inside with a delightful crunch on the outside.
Perfect for pairing with soups, stews, or just enjoying with butter, this simple yet impressive homemade bread will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Equipment List I Have Used
Dutch Oven (4-6 quarts)
Large Mixing Bowl
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap
Parchment Paper (for easy transfer)
Wire Rack (for cooling)
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course bread, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8 Slices
Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven (4-6 quarts)
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap
  • Parchment Paper (for easy transfer)
  • Wire Rack (for cooling)

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups – All-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon – Active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon – Salt
  • 1 1/2 cups – Warm water 100°F / 38°C
  • 3 cloves – Garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons – Fresh rosemary chopped
  • 2 tablespoons – Fresh thyme chopped
  • 2 tablespoons – Olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons – Butter optional, for brushing after baking

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
    Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Add the minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
    Stir until evenly incorporated.

First Rise:

  • Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Dough:

  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently.
    On a floured surface, shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper.

Preheat the Dutch Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the Dutch oven (with its lid) inside the oven to heat for 30 minutes.

Bake the Bread:

  • After 30 minutes, carefully remove the Dutch oven from the oven.
    Lift the dough using the parchment paper and place it into the hot Dutch oven.
    Cover with the lid and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the bread is golden brown.

Cool and Serve:

  • Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes. Slice and serve!

Notes

  • Rising Time: If your kitchen is cool, the dough may take longer to rise. Be patient and allow the dough time to double in size for best results.
  • Flavor Enhancements: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil, oregano, or even add some shredded cheese for a cheesy twist.
  • Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover bread in an airtight container for 2-3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread. Reheat by toasting.
  • No Dutch Oven? If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can bake the bread on a baking sheet, but you won’t achieve the same crispy crust. You can cover the loaf with a metal bowl or another oven-safe pot to trap moisture.
Keyword Herb Garlic Dutch Oven Bread