Homemade Hard Dough Bread with Roasted Garlic Recipe

Calendar icon Published: Aug 6th 2021 by Narandradath Jaikaran
Clock icon Last updated: Dec 21st 2024
Read time: 5 mins
Cuisine:
This recipe, developed through the collective effort of at least 6 experts, underwent meticulous research and testing for over 3 months. Learn more about our process in the art and science behind our recipes or read how we use AI responsibly. This post may contain affiliate links. Read our Disclosure Policy.
Hard Dough Bread with Roasted Garlic on top of wooden board

In the Caribbean, local bakeries provide a wide selection of pastries and local pieces of bread. Hard Dough Bread is a household staple for sandwiches. However, this homemade version puts a savory spin on Hard Dough Bread by adding some roasted garlic for an extra depth of flavor. This bread combines the rich, buttery texture of hard dough bread with the aromatic flavor of roasted garlic, making it perfect for sandwiches, dipping into soups, or enjoying on its own.

We all love the aroma of fresh bread wafting through our homes, so give this recipe a try and hypnotize your friends and family with your Hard Dough Bread with Roasted Garlic. Best paired with hot Jamaican Chicken Soup.

  • Bold Flavor: The roasted garlic adds a deep, savory richness that enhances every slice.
  • Versatile Use: Ideal for sandwiches, soups, or as a snack with olive oil.
  • Caribbean Authenticity: Brings a traditional Caribbean bakery experience to your kitchen.
  • Simple Yet Impressive: Easy enough for beginners, yet flavorful enough to impress guests.

  • Roast Garlic to Perfection: Ensure the garlic is lightly browned but not burned for optimal flavor.
  • Develop the Dough: Knead until the dough is glossy and pliable for the perfect texture.
  • Monitor Baking: Check the bread halfway through baking and cover with foil if it browns too quickly.

  • Pair with hot Jamaican Chicken Soup for a comforting meal.
  • Enjoy toasted with a spread of herb butter or olive oil.
  • Use as a base for hearty sandwiches or as an accompaniment to stews.

  • Replace margarine with unsalted butter for a creamier flavor.
  • Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a herbal twist.
  • Use whole wheat flour for a healthier, fiber-rich version.
  • Swap garlic with roasted onions for a sweeter, milder alternative.

  • Storage: Keep in a bread box or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Slice and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and toast before serving.

  • Garlic Cloves: Provide a rich, roasted flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Adds moisture and enhances the garlic's aroma.
  • Baker’s Flour: Creates the perfect structure for this bread.
  • Instant Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise and develop texture.
  • Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the bread’s taste.
  • Margarine: Adds a buttery richness to the dough.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of roasted garlic?

Yes, but roasted garlic provides a milder, sweeter flavor that enhances the bread.

How do I create steam in the oven?

Place a pan of hot water on the bottom shelf and spritz the oven walls with water before baking.

Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.

How to Make Homemade Hard Dough Bread with Roasted Garlic

Begin by roasting the garlic. Toss peeled and crushed garlic cloves in olive oil, then roast in a 375°F oven until golden brown. While the garlic cools, prepare the dough by mixing sifted baker’s flour, instant dry yeast, and salt in a stand mixer with a dough hook. Gradually, add margarine and roasted garlic, followed by water, to form a glossy, pliable dough.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface, divide into three equal pieces, and let rest for 10 minutes. Shape each piece into a batard (long oval) and place on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Allow the dough to proof in a cool, enclosed space for 30 minutes. Score the tops, then bake in a 475°F oven with steam for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool before slicing and serving.

Rate
Average: 5 (8 votes)
Total rating includes sum of all comments and anonymous votes.

Click to avoid screen dimming during cooking.

Time & Serves

Prep Time
45 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
70 mins
Serves
2 loaves

Ingredients

  • 40 g fresh Garlic cloves

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil

  • 1000 g Bakers Flour

  • 550 ml Water

  • 12 g Instant Dry Yeast

  • 12 g Salt

Instructions

Roasted Garlic

Peel garlic cloves and crush them into large pieces and place the cloves in a bowl.

Mix in the olive oil.

Put the garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven, preheated to 375 F, until moderately brown.

Dough

Weigh and sift all the dry ingredients and place them into a stand-up mixer bowl. Using a dough hook, mix at a slow speed for 2 minutes.

Add the margarine and garlic. Continue mixing while adding water slowly.

Switch mixer to fast speed and fully develop to a glossy and pliable dough clinging to the dough hook (about 5-8 minutes).

Processing Method

Remove from the mixer to a lightly floured table.

Divide into three pieces and mold round.

Cover and rest for 10 minutes to allow the dough to recover.

Now roll the dough pieces into a batard shape (long oval) 

Place onto a light oiled sheet.

Proof in a cool, enclosed space (for example, a cupboard) for 30 minutes.

After proofing, score along the top of the dough.

Baking

Preheat the oven to 475 F.

While preheating, place an empty metal water container (for example a cake pan) on the bottom shelf of the oven.

Place the dough pieces on the center shelf.

Quickly fill a water container with 1 cup of hot water.

Spritz inside of the oven sides with light water spray.

Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.

Remove from the oven and cool.

It can be served warm with your favorite filling or eaten with olive oil as a dip or served with soup.

Narandradath Jaikaran
Author:
Cake Engineer & Bakery Consultant

More posts by Narandradath Jaikaran

Unlock Exclusive Recipes & More! 🔓

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest recipes, holiday specials, and mouthwatering secrets!

Subscribe

Add new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.