Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread: Easy & Flavorful Loaf
This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is a simple yet flavorful loaf that will elevate your baking game. With a crackly crust and a soft, airy interior infused with garlic and fresh herbs, it’s perfect for any meal.
- Author: Crumella
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (between 105-115°F or 40-46°C)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (optional)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and the active dry yeast. If using sugar, add a pinch here to help activate the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. If you're using garlic powder and dried herbs, add them to the flour mixture now.
- Add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture. Also, add your finely minced fresh garlic and chopped fresh herbs (and olive oil, if using). Using a sturdy spoon or a Danish dough whisk, mix until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 8-12 hours, or even overnight.
- About 30-45 minutes before you're ready to bake, place your Dutch oven (with its lid) into your oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C).
- Lightly flour a clean surface. Gently scrape the dough out of the bowl onto the floured surface. With floured hands, gently fold the edges of the dough towards the center a few times to create a rough ball shape.
- Transfer the shaped dough to a piece of parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it rest for 20-30 minutes while the Dutch oven finishes preheating.
- Carefully remove the scorching hot Dutch oven from the oven. Using the parchment paper as a sling, carefully lower the dough into the Dutch oven. Score the top of the dough a few times with a sharp knife or a razor blade. Place the lid back on. Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on.
- Remove the lid from the Dutch oven. Reduce the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: The long, slow rise is key to developing flavor. Make sure your Dutch oven is fully preheated for the best crust. Handle the dough gently to maintain air bubbles.