I love making Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread. I bake it for weeknight dinners and slow Sunday meals because it smells so good and tastes like home. I often pair it with my cheddar garlic herb potato soup for a simple, warm supper.

Your Ingredients List

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon dried herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or oregano)

My Go-To Equipment

I use a heavy Dutch oven with a tight lid so the bread steams well. I use the same pot I bake my Dutch oven peach cobbler in because it holds heat fast and steady.

The Simple Steps to Follow

In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
Add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
Fold in minced garlic and dried herbs.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours.
After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place your Dutch oven with the lid inside to heat.
On a floured surface, shape the dough into a ball and let it rest while the oven heats.
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven, place the dough inside, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
Let cool before slicing and enjoy your homemade bread.

Healthy Twists on a Classic

I sometimes swap half the flour for whole wheat for more fiber. You can cut the oil in half or skip sugar if you prefer less fat and less sweetness.

Serving Suggestions From My Table

I slice this bread thick for dipping into soups, or shave it thin for garlic toast. When we cook outside, I check how much charcoal to use for a Dutch oven so the bread bakes evenly over coals.

Getting It Just Right

Use room temperature water to wake the yeast but not kill it. The dough should feel sticky and soft after the long rise. A hot Dutch oven and a tight lid give the best crust and crumb.

How to Store Leftovers

Wrap cooled bread in a clean towel and keep at room temperature for 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze in a zip bag for up to 3 months.

Enjoy Every Moment

I slow down when I bake this bread. Take your time with the rise and enjoy the smell that fills your home.

A Few Common Questions

Can I make Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread faster?

Yes, you can. Use a warm spot and a little more yeast to cut the rise time, but the flavor shines best with a long, slow rise.

How do I know when Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is done?

The crust should be deep golden brown and the loaf should sound hollow when you tap the bottom. An instant read thermometer should show about 200°F inside.

Can I add cheese or seeds to the Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread?

Yes, you can fold in grated cheese or seeds at the shaping stage. Keep additions light so the dough still bakes through.

Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread

Author: sarah
Total Time: 770 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and aromatic homemade bread that pairs perfectly with soups or can be enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon dried herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or oregano)

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
Add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
Fold in minced garlic and dried herbs.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours.
After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place your Dutch oven with the lid inside to heat.
On a floured surface, shape the dough into a ball and let it rest while the oven heats.
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven, place the dough inside, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
Let cool before slicing and enjoy your homemade bread.

Notes

Use room temperature water to wake the yeast. A hot Dutch oven and a tight lid give the best crust and crumb. For healthier options, consider substituting half the flour with whole wheat or reducing oil and sugar.

Prep Time: 720 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 200
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 360mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: bread, garlic, herb, Dutch oven, homemade