Dutch Oven No Knead Crusty Bread Recipe

Introduction

Discover how to make deliciously crusty bread with minimal effort using a Dutch oven. This no-knead recipe yields a golden, airy loaf perfect for any meal. It’s simple, requires just a few ingredients, and is ideal for home bakers looking for foolproof bread.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 100°F)
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2.25 teaspoons)
• 1 ½ teaspoons fine grain salt
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and salt until dissolved.
2. Step 2: Gradually add flour all at once and mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 2-3 hours or until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 450°F with the Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes.
5. Step 5: Shape the dough on floured parchment paper and transfer it to the heated Dutch oven.
6. Step 6: Bake covered for 35-40 minutes; then uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
7. Step 7: Cool on a rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, let the dough ferment overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for a chewier texture and better rise.
• Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough can add an aromatic touch.
• If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly flour the Dutch oven to prevent sticking.

Storage

Store the bread at room temperature wrapped loosely in a clean kitchen towel for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze it in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, toast slices or warm the loaf in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I really need to preheat the Dutch oven?

Yes, preheating the Dutch oven creates the steam environment needed for a crisp crust and proper oven spring. It mimics professional steam-injected ovens.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use slightly less (about 2 teaspoons) and you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing in warm water.

Dutch Oven No Knead Crusty Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 113 reviews

This Dutch Oven No Knead Crusty Bread recipe is a simple and foolproof way to bake artisan-style bread at home without the need for kneading. Using a Dutch oven to create steam inside the oven helps develop a perfectly crisp, golden crust while keeping the interior soft and tender. Ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals or can be enjoyed on its own.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 100°F)
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2.25 teaspoons)
• 1 ½ teaspoons fine grain salt
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and salt. Stir until the yeast and salt dissolve completely to create a yeast mixture ready for dough formation.
2. Form the dough: Gradually add all the flour at once to the yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms. Do not knead; mixing until combined is sufficient.
3. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and place it in a warm area to rise for 2 to 3 hours or until the dough has doubled in size, allowing the yeast to work and develop flavor.
4. Preheat the Dutch oven: Place your Dutch oven with its lid inside your oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C). Leave it to heat for at least 30 minutes to ensure it is very hot for baking.
5. Shape the dough: Transfer the risen dough carefully onto a piece of floured parchment paper. Shape it gently to a round loaf, preparing it for baking.
6. Bake covered: Using the parchment paper as a sling, place the dough into the heated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. This traps steam and creates a crusty exterior.
7. Finish baking uncovered: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the crust turns a rich golden brown, ensuring a perfect crunchy finish.
8. Cool before slicing: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. Cooling allows the bread to set properly and makes slicing easier.

Notes

• Using warm water around 100°F is crucial to activate the yeast without killing it.
• Do not skip preheating the Dutch oven, as its heat helps form the crust.
• This recipe requires no kneading, making it perfect for novice bakers.
• Cool the bread completely to avoid a gummy interior when slicing.
• Leftover bread can be stored in a paper bag for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: no knead bread, Dutch oven bread, crusty bread, artisan bread, easy bread recipe, homemade bread