Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread (Printable)

Rustic artisan bread with garlic and fresh herbs, baked in a Dutch oven for golden crust and soft interior.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread Dough

01 - 3 ½ cups bread flour
02 - 1 ½ teaspoons salt
03 - 1 teaspoon sugar
04 - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
05 - 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Garlic & Herbs

07 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
11 - 2 tablespoons melted butter

# How to Prepare:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, salt, and sugar. Stir in the yeast until evenly distributed.
02 - Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
03 - Add the minced garlic and chopped herbs. Stir until evenly incorporated throughout the dough.
04 - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let rise at room temperature for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
05 - Turn dough onto a floured surface. Gently shape into a round loaf, tucking edges underneath to create tension.
06 - Place dough on a piece of parchment paper. Cover loosely with a towel; let rest for 30 minutes.
07 - Place a Dutch oven with lid in the oven and preheat to 450°F for at least 30 minutes.
08 - Carefully lift the dough using the parchment paper and lower it into the hot Dutch oven. Score the top with a sharp knife.
09 - Cover with lid and bake for 30 minutes to create steam and develop crust.
10 - Remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
11 - Remove bread from Dutch oven; brush with melted butter and sprinkle with extra herbs. Let cool before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The Dutch oven creates a professional bakery crust right in your home kitchen
  • Fresh garlic and herbs transform basic bread into something that feels like a restaurant quality side
02 -
  • Preheating the Dutch oven is non negotiable for a crisp crust
  • Scoring the dough helps it expand properly in the oven
  • Let the bread cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing or the steam will make the crumb gummy
03 -
  • Weighing your flour gives more consistent results than using cup measurements
  • If your dough feels too sticky to handle, lightly flour your hands instead of adding more flour to the dough

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