Who would have thought that making crusty bread that tastes like it came straight from a bakery could be so simple? This delicious no-knead herb bread comes together quickly and requires minimal effort. It's truly amazing! This is the perfect bread for slathering with butter, dipping in an olive oil and herb mixture, dunking in hot soup, or just slicing for a tasty sandwich. Trust me, it won’t disappoint and will quickly become a favorite. It's no secret. I love bread. If I could eat only one food for the rest of my life, it would be warm, freshly baked bread. But, not just any bread. I want a loaf with an irresistible crust on the outside and a chewy, springy inside. That's where this recipe comes in. When I first tried making no-knead Dutch oven bread, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I wondered how switching from my usual loaf pan to a Dutch oven could make that much of a difference. Well, let me tell you, it really does. I was truly blown away. Since that day, I have never baked bread in a standard loaf pan again, and I probably never will. It’s that good! What Exactly Is A Dutch Oven? A Dutch oven is truly one of the most adaptable cookware pieces you'll ever find. But what is it really? What dishes can you whip up, and how do you choose the right one for your kitchen? Let's explore: A Dutch oven is a stout, lidded pot that's been essential for generations, perfect for slow-cooking everything from soups and stews to sauces and breads. You can find Dutch ovens made from various materials like cast iron, enameled, aluminum, and ceramic. Traditionally, the seasoned cast iron version is the classic choice. Investing in a quality Dutch oven is wise—it's not only a versatile tool for countless recipes but also easy to use on both the stovetop and in the oven. Here are some of our favorite uses for Dutch ovens (feel free to share your own ideas!): - **Soups and Stews:** These pots excel at cooking low and slow, making them ideal for rich, hearty soups and stews. Their generous size means you can prepare plenty of liquid-based dishes. - **Braising Meat:** With their heavy material that distributes heat evenly, Dutch ovens are perfect for braising meats and vegetables until they’re beautifully tender. - **Bread-making:** The thick walls and snug lid create a steamy environment that keeps dough moist and helps it rise perfectly. - **Camping:** You can find Dutch ovens designed specifically for outdoor cooking! Just make sure to choose one that's suitable for campfire use. While most Dutch ovens share a similar shape, they come in an array of colors, sizes, and materials to suit your style. Why Does A Dutch Oven Make Such A Difference? Dutch ovens are made to withstand a high level of heat. This is perfect for bread baking because most recipes require a high baking temperature. They also hold in heat well, which gives your bread an even bake. Cooking with the lid on allows steam to build inside the pot, and that's the secret to perfect texture! Why This Bread Will Be A Favorite It's simple: All you really have to do with this recipe is mix, wait, bake, and enjoy! Trust me, the hardest part is the wait. It's delicious: Have I mentioned the crispy, chewy crust and the warm, soft inside? Plus, the addition of fresh (or dried!) herbs gives it such a delightful taste. It makes for an easy cleanup: Since this no-knead bread only requires a few supplies to make, clean-up is a breeze. No sink full of dirty dishes here. It can be enjoyed so many ways: This bread is so delicious fresh out of the oven. We usually serve it with our favorite pasta dishes or a bowl of homemade soup. It can also be used to make fabulous homemade croutons to go with your favorite salad! (Mixed Greens & Flower Salad with Sunny Days Dressing) What Herbs Should I Use? This bread works great with fresh or dried herbs mixed directly in the dough. I also sprinkle additional herbs on top of the bread for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. You can use fresh or dried, whatever you have. When the season is right and my garden is in full bloom, I always use fresh. During the winter months, I use herbs that I have already dried and stored for baking. Don't worry, though! Even if you don't have a garden, you can still make this bread! Fresh herbs are usually available at your local farmer's market, depending on the season. You can also grab fresh herb packs at the grocery store year-round in the produce section. Or, you can use dried herbs straight from the store-bought containers! Either way, this bread will be fantastic! Cooking Tips & Tricks
Ingredients
Kitchen Tools Needed
How to Make Dutch Oven Herb Bread
How to Store Bread If you have any leftover bread (which we never do in our house!) you can store it in plastic wrap or a cloth bread bag. If wrapped, it should stay fresh on the counter for about 3-4 days. Do not store it in the refrigerator because that will cause it to dry out.
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AuthorHi! I'm Lindsey. I love all things gardening and of nature. My days are spent enjoying my family, my pets (dogs, cats, chickens, goats and ducks!), good books, homemade kombucha & sourdough everything! -XOXO Archives
January 2025
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