Dutch Oven Garlic Rosemary Bread (Printer-friendly)
Aromatic bread with fresh garlic and rosemary, featuring crisp golden crust and soft interior. Perfect for family dinners or gourmet sides.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 3 1/4 cups bread flour
02 - 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
→ Wet Ingredients
04 - 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Aromatics
06 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
→ For Dusting & Baking
08 - Extra flour or cornmeal for dusting
# How To Make It:
01 - In a large bowl, whisk together bread flour, salt, and yeast until thoroughly combined.
02 - Stir in the lukewarm water and olive oil until a shaggy dough forms. Add the minced garlic and rosemary, mixing gently to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
03 - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 2–3 hours, or until doubled in size.
04 - Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. With floured hands, shape gently into a round ball. Place seam-side down on a piece of parchment paper. Cover loosely and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
05 - While the dough rises, place a Dutch oven with lid in the oven and preheat to 450°F for at least 30 minutes to ensure proper heat retention.
06 - Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven. Lift the dough with the parchment paper and place inside. Cover with lid and bake for 30 minutes to create steam for a crispy crust.
07 - Remove the lid and bake for an additional 12–15 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
08 - Remove bread from Dutch oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing to allow the crumb to set properly.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The crust develops this incredible crackle that sings when you slice into it, creating the most satisfying sound in the kitchen
- Minimal kneading means you get maximum flavor with almost zero effort on your part
02 -
- The Dutch oven creates a steam chamber that mimics professional ovens, giving you that bakery crust at home
- Letting the bread cool is the hardest part but absolutely crucial for the texture to set properly
03 -
- Roast the garlic cloves beforehand for a sweeter, milder flavor that melts into the crumb
- Use a pizza stone under your Dutch oven for even better heat distribution