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Dutch Oven Garlic and Herb Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 74 reviews

This Dutch Oven Garlic and Herb Bread is a fragrant, crusty loaf infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Made using a combination of bread and all-purpose flour with an easy no-knead dough technique, it develops a perfect texture with a chewy crust and tender crumb. The bread is baked in a preheated Dutch oven for a professional bakery-quality finish right at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 150 grams all purpose flour (11-11.7% protein)
  • 350 grams bread flour (12.7% protein)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant or fast acting yeast
  • 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt
  • ¼ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (finely grated)

Herbs and Garlic

  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (finely chopped)
  • 3 fresh garlic cloves (finely chopped)

Liquids

  • 360 grams warm water (105-110°F), more if needed

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the bread flour, all purpose flour, salt, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, herbs, garlic, sugar, and yeast until evenly combined.
  2. Add Water and Mix: Pour in the warm water and gently stir with a wooden spoon until all the flour is incorporated, forming a sticky dough. Add a tablespoon more water if the dough feels dry.
  3. Knead the Dough: Attach the dough hook to the stand mixer and knead on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes. The dough should stick to the hook and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
  4. First Warm Rise: Cover the bowl with a tea towel and leave it at room temperature in a warm spot for 2-3 hours until it doubles in size.
  5. Cold Fridge Rest (Optional): For enhanced flavor and tanginess resembling sourdough, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (12 hours) or up to 3-5 days. Dough will rise and fall during this time, which is normal.
  6. Shape the Dough: Remove dough from fridge if chilled, let it rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Scrape dough onto a floured surface. With floured hands, gently stretch and fold the dough inward while rotating clockwise to form a rough round shape. Pinch seams and flip dough over.
  7. Proof the Dough: Transfer the shaped dough seam side down onto floured parchment paper and place it into a large bowl. Cover with a tea towel and let it rise in a draft-free place for 1 hour. Dough may puff slightly but not double.
  8. Alternative No Fridge Option: If skipping fridge rest, shape dough as above immediately after first rise and proof for 1 hour at room temperature in a covered bowl.
  9. Preheat Dutch Oven: Place your Dutch oven in the oven and preheat to 475°F (240°C) for 20 minutes.
  10. Score the Dough: Using a sharp knife or bread lame, score a slash down the middle of the dough.
  11. Bake the Bread: Using oven mitts, carefully remove hot Dutch oven and transfer the dough on parchment paper into it. Cover with the lid and place back into oven. Bake covered for 35 minutes.
  12. Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the lid and bake an additional 10 minutes uncovered to develop a golden, crispy crust.
  13. Cool the Bread: Remove Dutch oven from oven and carefully lift the loaf out using the parchment paper. Place the bread on a wire cooling rack and let cool completely before slicing.
  14. Serve: Slice and serve with dipping oil, cheeses, or fruit spreads for a delightful accompaniment.

Notes

  • Adding a cold fridge rest enhances flavor and mimics sourdough tanginess but is optional.
  • Ensure dough is sticky but manageable; adjust water quantity as needed.
  • Preheating the Dutch oven is crucial for crust development.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best aromatic flavor.
  • Allow bread to cool completely before slicing to preserve crumb structure.

Keywords: Dutch oven bread, garlic herb bread, homemade bread, no-knead bread, crusty bread, artisan bread, herb bread loaf

Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/dutch-oven-garlic-and-herb-bread-recipe/