This Dutch oven garlic bread is a delicious and easy way to enjoy warm, buttery bread infused with garlic flavor. Perfect for serving alongside pasta dishes or soups, this recipe yields a crusty exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
Using a Dutch oven allows for even cooking and a perfect rise, making it a great choice for homemade bread. This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients.
Creating the Perfect Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a beloved side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals. The combination of warm, buttery bread infused with garlic flavor is irresistible.
Using a Dutch oven for baking this bread not only enhances the flavor but also ensures an even cooking process. The result is a beautifully risen loaf with a crusty exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this garlic bread, you will need a few basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
All-purpose flour, active dry yeast, salt, and sugar form the foundation of the dough. Adding warm water activates the yeast, allowing the dough to rise.
For the garlic flavor, minced garlic and melted butter are essential, while fresh parsley adds a touch of color and freshness. Optional ingredients like garlic powder and black pepper can enhance the taste even further.
The Dough-Making Process
Making the dough is a straightforward process that begins with activating the yeast. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl and let it sit until frothy.
Next, mix the flour and salt in a large bowl, then incorporate the yeast mixture. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This first rise is crucial for developing the bread’s texture.
Shaping and Rising
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it. Gently punch down the dough to release the air, then form it into a round loaf.
Place the shaped dough into a greased Dutch oven for the second rise. Cover it and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This step allows the dough to expand further, ensuring a light and airy loaf.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) while the dough is rising.
Before baking, brush the top of the loaf with the garlic butter mixture, which will create a flavorful crust. Cover the Dutch oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the bread is golden brown and aromatic.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, allow the garlic bread to cool slightly before slicing. This bread is best served warm, making it a perfect accompaniment to pasta dishes, soups, or enjoyed on its own.
Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve it on a rustic wooden cutting board for a charming presentation.
This garlic bread is sure to be a hit at any meal, bringing warmth and flavor to your dining table.
Easy Dutch Oven Garlic Bread Recipe
This garlic bread is made with a simple dough that rises beautifully in a Dutch oven. It takes about 2 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it in a greased Dutch oven.
- Second Rise: Cover the Dutch oven and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Bake: Brush the top of the loaf with the garlic butter mixture. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 26g