20 Cozy Bread Recipes You Can Make in a Dutch Oven

ByKatie

We all love the idea of homemade bread, but maybe it doesn’t always turn out as perfectly as you imagined. Well, let me introduce you to the game-changer: Dutch oven bread recipes. They’re the secret to a high rise and that perfect, crusty outside every single time. The tight lid creates the perfect, steamy environment for your loaf to rise beautifully.

I’m excited to share my all-time favorite recipes with you.

A collage of six different Dutch oven bread recipes, including a golden rustic loaf, sliced multigrain bread, seeded round loaf, cranberry-studded bread, rich chocolate bread, and blueberry swirl bread.
French bread boule in red Dutch oven lined with parchment paper on top of blue checkered cloth.

easy French bread

This is everything you want in a homemade loaf—soft, airy, and perfect for sandwiches or dipping in soups. It’s simple to make, with just a few ingredients and no fancy equipment. Enjoy it warm with butter or olive oil for an irresistible treat.

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cinnamon raisin bread on wooden board with slices cut out showing lots of raisins inside.

no-knead cinnamon raisin bread

Just a few short minutes of hands-on time is needed in this bread recipe! Sweet cinnamon and raisins are mixed in with basic bread ingredients, and a long rest time takes the place of kneading. You’ll love it toasted with butter in the morning.

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sliced loaf of bread on cutting board with small container of butter.

rosemary thyme no-knead Dutch oven bread

This rosemary thyme no-knead Dutch oven bread is rustic, fragrant, and effortlessly delicious. The herbs infuse the soft interior with earthy flavors, while the crust bakes up golden and crisp. Perfect with soups, stews, or simply slathered in butter!

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Sourdough French Bread

This may become your favorite everyday sourdough bread- no complicated techniques, just a simple, reliable loaf that’s crusty on the outside and perfectly chewy inside. The Dutch oven does all the hard work of creating that perfect crust! 🤍

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sliced rye loaf on wooden board.

no-knead rye bread

No-knead rye bread is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Its dense texture and nutty, slightly tangy flavor are perfect for sandwiches or pairing with cheese. The Dutch oven gives it a crisp, bakery-style crust without any fuss!

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slices of homemade bread with pieces of cheese and peppers inside on wooden board with tea towel in back.

jalapeño cheddar no-knead bread

Spice up your bread game with this jalapeño cheddar no-knead bread! It’s loaded with melty cheese and a kick of jalapeño, all wrapped in a golden, crusty loaf. Perfect for sandwiches, soups, or snacking!

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bread slices with airy inside lined up on board next to blue checkered towel.

easy & beautiful artisan sourdough bread

If you love homemade bread, you’ll adore this easy & beautiful artisan sourdough bread! It has a crisp, golden crust and a soft, tangy interior that’s perfect for every meal. Simple to make, yet impressively delicious!

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round loaf of cinnamon raisin bread in dutch oven.

Dutch oven cinnamon raisin bread

Cinnamon raisin artisan bread is a simple and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with a touch of cinnamon and sweet raisins, it’s a cozy treat everyone will love.

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close up of chocolate loaf with slice cut out.

chocolate no-knead bread

Treat yourself to this indulgent chocolate bread! Packed with rich cocoa flavor and bits of chocolate, it’s a decadent twist on a classic loaf. I imagine this served with a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream for breakfast or made into a crazily amazing French toast. Or as a giant sweet bagel with cream cheese. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime treat.

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woman in blue shirt holding gluten free loaf.

no-knead gluten-free bread

I don’t know much about gluten-free baking, but you can make a gluten-free boule. The crust gets crisp thanks to the steam inside the oven, and it looks like this bread rises quite a bit. It’s soft inside with a crisp crust, perfect for sandwiches or as a side. Simple to make and completely gluten-free!

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sourdough bread loaf lightly sliced sliced and dusted with flour on a wooden board that's on a wire rack.

truly no-knead sourdough bread

For the easiest loaf of sourdough you’ll ever make, all you need to do is mix, wait, shape, and bake. This no-knead recipe rests on the the counter while you go about your day, and magically produces a beautiful loaf.

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whole wheat sourdough bread with a deep brown crust, dusted with flour and scored with a pattern.

homemade whole wheat sourdough bread

This hearty whole-wheat sourdough bread is perfect for any time of year. It’s packed with nutty whole grain flavor and a signature sourdough tang in every slice. So wholesome and satisfying, you’ll want to bake it again and again!

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A crusty loaf of parmesan bread, with a dusting of flour on top, fresh out of the Dutch oven, showcasing a golden-brown crust.

crusty rosemary parmesan bread

This rosemary parmesan bread is a flavorful twist on classic artisan bread. It combines fresh rosemary, nutty parmesan, and a crisp, golden crust. Perfect for any meal or a cozy side dish!

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bread cut open showing cranberries inside on wooden board with red checkered cloth.

no-knead cranberry nut bread

This no-knead cranberry nut bread is a delicious mix of tart cranberries and crunchy nuts. It’s easy to make and bakes up with a perfectly golden crust. Perfect for the holidays or a cozy breakfast treat!

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A golden-brown bread with a sprinkling of seeds, baked in a Dutch oven, showing a crisp crust and artisanal scoring.

easy pumpkin no-knead bread

This pumpkin no-knead bread is a cozy fall favorite! Packed with warm spices and a hint of pumpkin, it’s soft inside with a golden, crusty exterior. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or alongside your favorite soup!

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sliced loaf of homemade yeast bread with blueberries inside.

Dutch oven blueberry bread

This Dutch oven blueberry bread bursts with juicy blueberries and a touch of lemon zest. It bakes up with a golden crust and soft, tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat!

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Traditional Irish soda bread with slices cut out and butter spread over one slice.

Dutch oven Irish soda bread

This Irish soda bread is a simple, hearty loaf with a crisp crust and tender crumb. Made with buttermilk and a hint of sweetness, it’s perfect for serving with soups, stews, or a pat of butter. Quick, easy, and delicious!

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A freshly baked loaf of bread with crusty edges and chunks of pickle visible.

dill pickle sourdough bread

This bread is a tangy, savory twist on classic sourdough. Packed with dill flavor and bits of pickle, it’s perfect for sandwiches or as a unique side. A must-try for pickle lovers!

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A close-up of a fluffy, cheese-infused bread with a golden crust, hinting at a savory flavor profile.

sundried tomato feta rustic bread

This bread is a flavorful artisan loaf bursting with Mediterranean charm. Packed with tangy feta and sweet sundried tomatoes, it’s perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying on its own. A deliciously savory treat!

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banana bread baked in a Dutch oven and lined with parchment paper.

Dutch oven banana bread

This banana bread is moist, tender, and baked to perfection with a golden crust. Packed with sweet banana flavor, it’s a cozy treat for breakfast or dessert. Simple, delicious, and perfect for sharing!

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Bread Tips

  • Preheat for Success: Preheat your Dutch oven for at least 20-30 minutes before placing the dough inside. This makes sure the bread rises quickly when it hits the hot surface, creating the perfect oven spring.
  • Master the Steam: The magic of a Dutch oven is its ability to create steam. Keep the lid on during the first half of baking for a crackling crust.
  • Use Parchment Paper: Lining your Dutch oven with parchment paper not only makes cleanup easier but also helps transfer the dough without losing its shape.
  • Check Internal Temperature: For perfectly baked bread, use a thermometer. The perfect internal temperature for most bread is 190°F to 210°F.
  • Rest Before Slicing: Let your bread cool for 30 minutes before cutting.

FAQs

What kind of Dutch oven works best—enameled or raw cast iron?

Either works, but enameled Dutch ovens are easier to clean and don’t require seasoning. Raw cast iron can handle higher heat, so it’s excellent for dark, crusty loaves.

How do I avoid burning the bottom of my bread?

Place a baking sheet on a lower oven rack to diffuse the heat if your bread’s bottom burns. You can also line the bottom of the Dutch oven with a small layer of cornmeal or parchment paper for protection.

I hope you give at least one of these a try! Make a batch for your weekly meals, or bake one for a special occasion—there’s a recipe here for everything. If you have any questions about baking bread, let me know!

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By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

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16 Comments

  1. My daughter has to have gluten free and lactose free recipes and no acid… I was excited to see that you had a bread recipe for the same. When I clicked on it, I saw that it needs sourdough starter. First off, I don’t have any, and second that contains flour. Help! I would really like to make this and surprise her since she is so very limited on what she can eat, as you can see by her restrictions. Thank you for this possibility! Hope to hear from you soon….

    Reply

    1. most of these recipe do so well in a dutch oven because the lid traps moisture and helps them rise higher, but you can try them in any other pan and yes parchment is always helpful.

      Reply

  3. When I bake in my Dutch oven I use parchment paper but the bottom gets very hard.
    Can I use a trivet to sit the parchment and dough on to keep it off the bottom of the Dutch oven? It would be a trivet like what came with my instant pot!

    Reply

  4. These recipes look amazing!
    I can’t wait to try them. My Dutch oven is a 2.5 QT and I’m wondering if it will be too small? I have used it for other recipes and it seemed to work okay.

    Reply

    1. hi kere, I think it would be okay for anything 3 cups of flour or less. just keep an eye on it, and you always quickly grab the parchcment paper and put it on a baking sheet if it starts rising too high 🙂

      Reply

  7. I am curious about why you specify only an enamel covered cast iron Dutch oven. Why not a regular cast iron Dutch oven? If we are going to be using parchment inside, does the enamel covering do anything in particular? Thank you.

    Reply