Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe You’ll Love Today!
Baking bread at home can seem like a daunting task, but with this Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread recipe, you’ll discover it’s not only easy but incredibly rewarding. The enticing aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with garlic and herbs will fill your kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to try making this flavorful bread. First and foremost, it’s a fantastic way to boost your culinary skills. The simplicity of the method, particularly using a Dutch oven, makes it a great choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Additionally, this bread is so versatile. It pairs beautifully with soups, stews, salads, or as a hearty alternative to store-bought options. Plus, by making it yourself, you can control the ingredients, ensuring you use fresh, quality items.
How to Make Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread
Ingredients
Before you dive in, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need for this delightful bread. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 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 combination), chopped finely
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for coating
Directions
Now that you have everything set, it’s time to get baking! Follow these easy steps to create your delicious Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread:
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Add the minced garlic and chopped herbs, stirring throughout the mixture until it’s well combined.
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Pour in the lukewarm water and stir using a wooden spoon until no dry flour remains. Don’t worry if the dough looks sticky and rough; that’s exactly what we’re aiming for.
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Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until it doubles in size and becomes bubbly.
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When ready to shape your dough, generously flour a work surface and your hands. Gently scrape the dough out onto the floured surface and fold the edges toward the center to form a round shape.
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Place the shaped dough on a piece of oiled parchment paper, cover it loosely with a towel, and let it rest for an additional 45 minutes to an hour.
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Meanwhile, place your Dutch oven with a lid in the oven and preheat to 450°F for 30 minutes.
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Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Using the parchment paper as a sling, lower the dough into the pot. Score the top with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape.
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Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the bread is deep golden brown.
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Once baked, remove the bread from the Dutch oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tips for Success with Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread
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Measure Accurately: Ensure you measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can lead to a dry loaf, while too little can leave it too sticky to handle.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs truly enhance the flavor of this bread. Consider visiting a farmers’ market if possible!
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Patience is Key: Allow adequate time for the dough to rise. A slower fermentation develops more flavor.
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Experiment with Temperature: If your kitchen is particularly cold, give the dough a longer rising time which can enhance the flavor further.
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Don’t Skip the Preheat: Preheating your Dutch oven is crucial for achieving a nice crust.
Flavor Variations for Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread
Looking to shake things up? Here are some flavor variations you can try with this versatile bread recipe:
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Cheddar and Chive: Add in some grated sharp cheddar cheese and finely chopped chives for a rich, savory twist.
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Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato: Mix in chopped olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
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Spices and Seeds: Incorporate spices like cumin or caraway seeds for an aromatic and flavorful kick.
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Sweet Variations: Swap out garlic and herbs for cinnamon and raisins for a tasty breakfast version.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread
This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread pairs deliciously with many dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy your bread:
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Serve it alongside a hearty soup, like minestrone or chicken noodle, for a satisfying meal.
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Slice it thinly and drizzle with olive oil for a fresh bruschetta or to accompany a cheese platter.
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Use it to create flavorful sandwiches—think roasted vegetables, goat cheese, and a smear of pesto!
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread
To keep your bread fresh:
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Room Temperature: Allow the bread to cool completely, then store it in a paper bag or wrapped with a kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Refrigeration: Avoid storing bread in the fridge, as this can make it stale faster.
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Freezing: For longer storage, slice the bread and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze it for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|——————–|————–|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 260mg |
FAQ About Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Certainly! This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which works beautifully. However, if you prefer a chewier texture, using bread flour is a great alternative. Just be sure to add a little more water, as bread flour can absorb more moisture.
How do I know my dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and have a bubbly appearance on the surface. A good test is to gently poke it with your finger; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready for the next step.
Can I add different herbs to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with whatever fresh herbs you love, like basil, oregano, or sage. Just ensure they are finely chopped to incorporate evenly into the dough.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is overly sticky and hard to handle, you can add a touch more flour while shaping. Just be cautious not to add too much, or your bread may become dense.
Why do I need to preheat the Dutch oven?
Preheating the Dutch oven helps create a steamy environment, crucial for achieving a crusty exterior. This extra heat also allows for better oven spring during baking.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, allowing it to rise overnight. This not only simplifies your baking day but also enhances the flavor thanks to the slow fermentation.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to enjoy the art of baking at home. With its simple steps and mouthwatering results, you’ll be proud to serve this delicious bread to family and friends. By incorporating fresh herbs and garlic, you elevate the flavor, making it a delightful addition to any meal. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the wonderful world of handmade bread, and savor every bite of your scrumptious creation!
Print
Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread recipe, perfect for any meal.
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 combination), chopped finely
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for coating
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Add the minced garlic and chopped herbs, stirring until well combined.
- Pour in the lukewarm water and stir using a wooden spoon until no dry flour remains.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until it doubles in size.
- Flour a work surface and your hands, then gently scrape the dough out onto the floured surface and fold the edges towards the center to form a round shape.
- Place the shaped dough on oiled parchment paper, cover it loosely with a towel, and let it rest for 45 minutes to an hour.
- Meanwhile, preheat your Dutch oven to 450°F for 30 minutes.
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven and lower the dough into the pot using the parchment paper. Score the top with a knife.
- Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Measure accurately and use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Allow adequate time for the dough to rise.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
