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Dutch Oven No Knead Crusty Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 254 reviews

This Dutch Oven No Knead Crusty Bread recipe is a simple and foolproof way to bake artisan-style bread at home with minimal effort. Using just four ingredients, this bread develops a crisp, golden crust and a soft, airy interior. The slow rise allows the dough to ferment and develop flavor without the need for kneading, and baking it in a preheated Dutch oven recreates the perfect environment for a professional-quality loaf.

Ingredients

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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 yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and salt. Stir gently until the yeast and salt are fully dissolved in the water.
  2. Form dough: Gradually add all the flour to the bowl at once and mix using a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky, shaggy dough forms.
  3. First rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for 2-3 hours until it has doubled in size and appears bubbly.
  4. Preheat Dutch oven: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with the empty Dutch oven inside to heat up thoroughly.
  5. Shape dough: Lightly flour a piece of parchment paper and scrape the dough onto it. Shape the dough gently into a round loaf without kneading it again.
  6. Bake covered: Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the dough into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 35-40 minutes.
  7. Bake uncovered: Remove the lid and bake an additional 5-10 minutes to achieve a golden, crusty top.
  8. Cool: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the crumb to set.

Notes

  • Ensure the water temperature is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Using parchment paper makes transferring the dough to the Dutch oven easier and prevents sticking.
  • Letting the bread cool before slicing helps maintain its structure and texture.
  • This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • For extra flavor, you can add herbs or garlic to the dough before the first rise.

Keywords: No knead bread, Dutch oven bread, crusty bread, artisan bread, homemade bread

Find it online: https://annakocht.com/dutch-oven-no-knead-crusty-bread-recipe/