Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe – Bakery-Style No Knead Perfection

Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe delivers a golden, crackling crust and a soft, airy interior infused with roasted garlic and fresh herbs. This no knead artisan loaf transforms simple pantry staples into bakery-quality bread with almost no hands-on effort.

If you've ever wanted to bake homemade bread without kneading, complicated techniques, or fancy equipment, this Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe makes it completely achievable. The Dutch oven creates the perfect steam environment, giving you that dramatic oven spring and deeply caramelized crust every single time.

The first time I pulled this loaf from the oven, I couldn't believe the sound. The crust actually crackled as it cooled. The kitchen smelled like roasted garlic and fresh rosemary, and the inside revealed beautiful airy pockets. Since then, this Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe has become my go-to for cozy dinners, holidays, and even simple weeknight meals.

Crusty artisan-style Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread with roasted garlic and fresh herbs using an easy no knead method.

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Course: Bread

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Mixing Bowl
• wooden spoon
• Parchment paper

Method

 

1. Mix flour, salt, yeast, garlic and herbs. Stir in water until sticky dough forms.
2. Cover and let rise at room temperature 12-18 hours until bubbly and doubled.
3. Shape dough on floured surface. Place on oiled parchment and rest 45-60 minutes.
4. Preheat Dutch oven at 450°F for 30 minutes.
5. Transfer dough into hot pot, score top, cover and bake 30 minutes.
6. Remove lid and bake 15-20 minutes until deep golden brown and internal temp reaches 205-210°F.
7. Cool on wire rack 30 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 5gFat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 390mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow full 12-18 hour rise for best flavor. Preheat Dutch oven 30 minutes. Cool 30 minutes before slicing.

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Why You'll Love This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

No Knead, No Stress

This Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe removes the intimidation factor from bread baking. You simply mix the ingredients, let time do the work, and bake.

Because the dough rests for 12-18 hours, gluten develops naturally without kneading. As a result, you get a beautifully structured loaf with minimal effort.

Incredible Texture and Flavor

The long fermentation builds deep, complex flavor. Meanwhile, the garlic mellows into sweet aromatic notes. Fresh herbs distribute evenly throughout the dough, adding layers of savory depth.

The Dutch oven traps steam during the first part of baking. Consequently, the crust forms thick and crisp while the interior stays tender and fluffy.

Ingredients for Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast

All-purpose flour provides structure without becoming dense. The small amount of yeast supports slow fermentation, which enhances flavor.

Flavor Boosters

• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary and/or thyme

Fresh herbs offer the brightest taste. However, you can substitute 2 teaspoons dried herbs if needed.

Liquid

• 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water (90-100°F)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for coating)

The high hydration level creates the open crumb and signature airy texture.

How to Make Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and instant yeast.

Stir in minced garlic and chopped herbs. Then pour in the lukewarm water and mix with a wooden spoon until no dry flour remains.

The dough will look sticky and shaggy. That texture is correct.

Cover the bowl tightly and let it rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours.

Step 2: First Rise

During this time, the dough will double in size and develop bubbles across the surface.

Do not rush this step. The extended fermentation gives this Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe its signature flavor and structure.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Generously flour your work surface and hands.

Gently scrape the dough onto the floured surface. Fold the edges toward the center to form a loose round.

Place the shaped dough seam-side down onto lightly oiled parchment paper. Cover loosely and let it rest for 45-60 minutes.

Step 4: Preheat the Dutch Oven

Place your Dutch oven (with lid) into the oven and preheat to 450°F for a full 30 minutes.

This step ensures the pot is extremely hot, which creates steam when the dough enters. That steam produces dramatic oven spring and crisp crust.

Step 5: Score and Bake

Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven.

Using the parchment as a sling, lower the dough into the pot. Score the top with a sharp knife about 1/2 inch deep.

Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.

Then remove the lid and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until the crust turns deep golden brown.

The internal temperature should reach 205-210°F.

Step 6: Cool Before Slicing

Transfer the bread to a wire rack.

Allow it to cool at least 30 minutes before slicing. Cutting too early results in a gummy texture.

Pro Tips for Success

Keep the Dough Wet

Resist adding extra flour. The sticky consistency creates the airy crumb.

Don't Skip Preheating

The fully preheated Dutch oven makes the biggest difference in crust quality.

Watch the Rise

Warmer kitchens shorten rising time. Cooler kitchens extend it.

Use Parchment Paper

Parchment prevents sticking and makes transferring the dough much easier.

Delicious Variations

Cheese Garlic Herb Bread

Fold in 1 cup shredded parmesan, gruyere, or cheddar before the first rise.

Whole Wheat Version

Replace up to half the flour with whole wheat flour. Add 2-3 tablespoons extra water if needed.

Roasted Garlic Variation

Use a full head of roasted garlic instead of raw garlic for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.

Storage and Serving

Store Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread at room temperature wrapped in a kitchen towel for up to 3 days.

Avoid plastic, as it softens the crust.

For longer storage, slice and freeze for up to 3 months. Toast slices directly from frozen.

Serve with:

• Pasta dishes
• Soups and stews
• Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Butter and flaky sea salt
• Bruschetta toppings

This bread also makes exceptional garlic toast or sandwich bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use active dry yeast?

Yes. Dissolve it in the lukewarm water first and let it foam for 5 minutes before mixing.

What if I don't have a Dutch oven?

Use a baking stone and place a pan of boiling water on the lower rack to create steam.

Why is my bread dense?

Insufficient rising time or adding too much flour often causes dense bread.

Can I shorten the rise?

You can reduce to 8-10 hours in a warm kitchen, but flavor will be less developed.

How do I know it's done?

The loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom and reach 205-210°F internally.

Conclusion

Garlic Herb Dutch Oven Bread Recipe proves that artisan-quality bread does not require advanced skills or complicated techniques. With simple ingredients, patience, and a Dutch oven, you can create a bakery-style loaf with a crispy crust and soft interior every time.

Once you master this recipe, you'll never look at store-bought bread the same way again. The aroma, texture, and flavor speak for themselves.