This quick Dutch oven bread recipe utilizes fast acting yeast for a speedy rise, resulting in a crusty, artisan-style loaf with minimal effort. Perfect for beginners, this bread can be made in just a few hours.
The recipe is straightforward and requires only a few basic ingredients. The Dutch oven creates an ideal baking environment, ensuring a beautifully baked crust and soft interior.
Overview of Dutch Oven Bread
Creating a loaf of Dutch oven bread is a rewarding experience that brings the warmth of homemade baking into your kitchen. This method yields a beautifully crusty exterior while maintaining a soft and airy interior, making it a favorite among bread enthusiasts.
The use of fast acting yeast speeds up the process, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked bread in just a few hours. With minimal ingredients and effort, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to try their hand at bread making.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delightful bread, you will need a few simple ingredients. The foundation consists of all-purpose flour, salt, and fast acting yeast. These staples combine to create the perfect dough.
Warm water is essential for activating the yeast, while a touch of olive oil can be used to grease your Dutch oven. This will help achieve that perfect crust and prevent sticking.
The Baking Process
Begin by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl. This initial step is crucial for ensuring an even distribution of the yeast and salt throughout the flour.
Once combined, add warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be sticky, which is normal. After this, cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, typically about an hour.
Shaping and Second Rise
After the first rise, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf without kneading, which helps maintain the airy texture.
Let the shaped dough rest for another 30 minutes while your oven preheats. This second rise is important for developing the bread’s structure and flavor.
Baking in the Dutch Oven
Preheating your Dutch oven is a key step in achieving that perfect crust. Once it’s hot, carefully place your dough inside. Cover it with the lid and bake for about 30 minutes.
After this initial baking time, remove the lid to allow the crust to brown. Continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Cooling and Slicing
Once baked, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is essential for the texture to set properly.
After cooling, slice into the bread to reveal its soft interior. The combination of a crispy crust and fluffy crumb makes this Dutch oven bread a delightful addition to any meal or a perfect snack on its own.
Simple Dutch Oven Bread Recipe
This Dutch oven bread features a crispy crust and a soft, airy crumb. The use of fast acting yeast allows for a quicker preparation time, making it a convenient option for fresh homemade bread. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and yields one large loaf.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon fast acting yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for greasing)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and fast acting yeast. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Add Water: Pour in the warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be sticky.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, place your Dutch oven (with the lid) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C).
- Shape the Dough: Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf without kneading.
- Second Rise: Let the shaped dough rest for 30 minutes while the oven heats.
- Bake the Bread: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. If desired, lightly grease the bottom with olive oil. Place the dough inside, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour + 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 1 large loaf
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 24g