Description
Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread is a warm, comforting loaf featuring a soft tender crumb and a golden crust. Infused with fresh thyme, rosemary, parsley, and roasted whole garlic cloves, this artisan-style bread is baked in a Dutch oven to lock in moisture and texture. Perfect for sandwiches, side dishes, or enjoying fresh from the oven, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and natural ingredients to bring a vibrant herb flavor with a touch of savory depth.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Herbs and Flavorings
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 6–8 whole garlic cloves, roasted
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the foamed yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead in the chopped fresh herbs and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce until the dough is slightly sticky but elastic.
- First Rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Add Roasted Garlic: Punch down the risen dough onto a floured surface. Flatten slightly and evenly tuck roasted whole garlic cloves throughout the dough as you shape it into a round ball.
- Preheat Dutch Oven and Second Rise: Place the Dutch oven with its lid into the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C). While it heats, let the shaped dough rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake the Bread: Carefully transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is deep golden and crisp.
- Cool and Enjoy: Transfer the bread to a cooling rack and let it rest at least 30 minutes before slicing to develop the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Do not over-flour while kneading; a slightly sticky dough yields a better crumb.
- Use freshly chopped herbs for better aroma and flavor brightness.
- Roast garlic cloves whole to soften flavor and prevent bitterness inside the bread.
- Ensure the Dutch oven is thoroughly preheated to achieve a perfect crust.
- Cool bread completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: garlic bread, herb bread, Dutch oven bread, homemade bread, vegetarian bread, artisan bread