This homemade bread recipe uses a Dutch oven to create a crusty, artisan-style loaf with a soft interior. The method is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
With just flour, water, yeast, and salt, you can achieve bakery-quality bread right in your own kitchen. The Dutch oven traps steam, allowing the bread to rise beautifully and develop a golden crust.
Creating the Perfect Loaf
Homemade bread offers a unique satisfaction that store-bought varieties simply cannot match. The process of mixing, resting, and finally baking transforms simple ingredients into a warm, inviting loaf.
Using a Dutch oven is key to achieving that artisan crust. The steam trapped inside during baking creates a beautiful golden crust while keeping the interior soft and airy. This method is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers at any skill level.
With just a few pantry staples, you can create a loaf that rivals those from your favorite bakery. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home is an experience in itself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To embark on your bread-making journey, gather the essentials: all-purpose flour, salt, instant yeast, and warm water.
These four ingredients come together to create a dough that will rise beautifully. The simplicity of the ingredients is part of what makes this recipe so appealing.
Once you have everything ready, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying a delicious homemade loaf.
The Art of Mixing and Resting
The first step involves mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Combine the flour, salt, and yeast, ensuring they are well integrated.
Next, add warm water to the mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for an extended period, anywhere from 12 to 18 hours.
This long resting period is crucial as it allows the dough to develop flavor and texture.
Shaping the Dough
After the resting period, it’s time to shape your dough. Flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it.
With floured hands, gently shape the dough into a ball. This step is essential for creating a nice structure in your loaf.
Let the shaped dough rest for about 30 minutes before baking. This brief period allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to handle.
Prepping for Baking
About 30 minutes before you plan to bake, preheat your Dutch oven. Place it, with the lid on, in the oven set to 450°F (232°C).
The preheating process ensures that the Dutch oven is hot enough to create steam when the dough is added.
Once preheated, carefully remove the Dutch oven, place the dough inside, cover it with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
Finishing Touches
After the initial baking time, remove the lid to allow the crust to brown further. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the crust reaches a beautiful golden brown.
Once baked, transfer your loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a drizzle of olive oil or paired with fresh herbs for a delightful presentation.
Easy Dutch Oven Bread Recipe
This Dutch oven bread is a no-knead recipe that takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising time. It yields one large loaf, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir until well mixed.
- Add Water: Pour in the warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours.
- Shape the Dough: After the resting period, flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it. With floured hands, shape the dough into a ball. Let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Dutch Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, place your Dutch oven (with the lid) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C).
- Bake the Bread: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Place the dough ball inside, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Cool: Once baked, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 12-18 hours
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 12-18 hours 1 hour
- Servings: 1 large loaf
- Calories: 150kcal per slice
- Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 31g