- Servings: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus rise time)
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: ~13–20 hours (mostly hands-off)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
½ tsp instant yeast
1½ cups lukewarm water (90–100°F)
Flavor & Add-Ins
4 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
2 tbsp fresh herbs, finely chopped (rosemary, thyme, or a mix)
Seasoning & Fat
2 tsp fine sea salt
1 tbsp olive oil (for coating parchment)
Instructions
Mix the dough
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and instant yeast.
Stir in the garlic and fresh herbs until evenly distributed.
Add water
Pour in the lukewarm water and mix with a wooden spoon until no dry flour remains.
The dough will look sticky and rough—this is exactly right.
Long rise
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
Let rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours, until doubled and bubbly on top.
Shape the dough
Generously flour a work surface and your hands.
Gently scrape the dough out and fold the edges toward the center to form a loose round.
Second rest
Place the dough on parchment paper lightly brushed with olive oil.
Cover loosely and let rest for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat the Dutch oven
Place your Dutch oven with the lid inside the oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C) for 30 minutes.
Bake
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven. Use the parchment as a sling to lower the dough into the pot.
Score the top with a sharp knife.
Cover and bake for 30 minutes
Remove the lid and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until deeply golden and crusty
Cool
Remove bread and transfer to a wire rack.
Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Additional Notes
Crust Tip: Keeping the lid on traps steam, which gives you that bakery-style crust.
Garlic Flavor: For a milder garlic taste, roast the garlic first before adding.
No Dutch Oven? Use a heavy oven-safe pot with a tight lid (cast iron works best).
Storage & Meal Prep
Store at room temperature, wrapped loosely, for 2 days.
Freeze sliced bread for up to 2 months and toast straight from frozen.
Variations
Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add ½ cup shredded parmesan or mozzarella to the dough.
Olive Version: Fold in chopped olives with the herbs.
Whole Wheat: Replace 1 cup of flour with whole wheat flour (add 1–2 tbsp extra water).
