Description

This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread recipe delivers a perfectly golden crust with a soft, tender crumb inside, infused with fresh garlic and a blend of parsley, rosemary, and thyme. Easy to prepare and bake, this aromatic artisan loaf is ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, offering a versatile, flavorful bread to enjoy with meals or as a standalone snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Wet Ingredients

1 1/3 cups warm water (about 100°F / 38°C)
2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)

Herbs and Aromatics

3 fresh garlic cloves, minced finely
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped

Instructions

Prepare Your Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and instant yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until frothy, indicating active yeast. Add the all-purpose flour, sea salt, minced garlic, chopped herbs, olive oil (natural), and natural gelling agent. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead and Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough back in the bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Shape and Preheat: Once risen, gently punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Line your Dutch oven with parchment paper and place the dough inside. Cover and preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) so the Dutch oven heats thoroughly.
Bake Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread: Carefully place the Dutch oven with the dough inside the preheated oven. Bake covered for 30 minutes to trap steam and develop a crunchy crust. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes to achieve a deep golden crust.
Cool and Slice: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set the crumb perfectly.

Notes

Use warm water, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
Fresh herbs provide the best aroma and flavor compared to dried.
Allow the dough to rise fully for a light, airy texture.
Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes removing the bread easier.
Preheat the Dutch oven well to ensure excellent crust development and oven spring.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
Calories: 180
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 0.7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: garlic bread, herb bread, dutch oven bread, homemade bread, fresh herbs, aromatic bread, easy bread recipe