Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread | Easy Artisan-Style Recipe

Rustic, Crusty, Bakery-Style Bread Made at Home

There’s something magical about pulling a crackling, golden loaf of bread out of the oven. The aroma of garlic and fresh herbs fills the kitchen, the crust sings as it cools, and that first slice reveals a soft, airy crumb.

This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread brings bakery-quality artisan bread straight to your home kitchen — no complicated techniques, no special equipment beyond a sturdy Dutch oven.

The secret? Steam trapped inside the pot creates that iconic crusty exterior while keeping the inside beautifully tender.

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Why Dutch Oven Bread Works So Well

The Dutch oven mimics a professional steam-injected oven. When you bake the dough inside a covered pot:

• Steam gets trapped.
• The crust forms slowly.
• The loaf expands fully before setting.

The result is the iconic artisan-style crackly crust and airy interior.

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Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Extra flour for dusting

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt.
2. Stir in minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours.
5. Lightly flour a surface and turn dough out. Shape gently into a round loaf.
6. Place dough on parchment paper, cover, and rest 30–45 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) with Dutch oven inside.
8. Carefully transfer dough (with parchment) into hot Dutch oven.
9. Cover and bake 30 minutes.
10. Remove lid and bake additional 10–15 minutes until deeply golden.
11. Cool on wire rack before slicing.

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The Garlic & Herb Flavor Boost

Adding fresh herbs transforms basic bread into something extraordinary.

• Rosemary adds pine-like depth.
• Thyme gives earthiness.
• Garlic brings savory warmth.

As the bread bakes, these flavors infuse every bite.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Crust

• Don’t skip the long fermentation — flavor develops over time.
• Use parchment paper for safe transfer.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing.
• Score the top for decorative expansion.

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Texture & Crumb Expectations

You’ll get:

• Crisp outer crust
• Soft interior
• Air pockets throughout
• Tender chew

It’s ideal for dipping in olive oil or pairing with soups.

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Serving Ideas

This bread pairs beautifully with:

• Tomato basil soup
• Creamy pasta dishes
• Roasted chicken dinners
• Cheese boards

Slice thick and serve warm with butter for pure comfort.

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Storage & Freezing

• Store at room temperature up to 2 days.
• Freeze slices in airtight bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat in oven for best texture.

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