Save A wonderfully crusty, airy artisan-style bread made with minimal effort and simple ingredients perfect for beginners and bread enthusiasts alike.
This recipe has become my go-to when I want fresh homemade bread without spending hours kneading the dough.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour:
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) instant yeast:
- 1 1/4 teaspoons (8 g) salt:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) lukewarm water:
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, instant yeast, and salt.
- Step 2:
- Add the lukewarm water and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
- Step 3:
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel Let it rest at room temperature for 12 18 hours until the surface is dotted with bubbles and dough has doubled in size.
- Step 4:
- Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it With floured hands, fold the dough over on itself once or twice Shape it loosely into a ball.
- Step 5:
- Place dough seam side down on a piece of parchment paper Cover with a towel and let rest for 30 60 minutes while the oven preheats.
- Step 6:
- Place a Dutch oven (or heavy lidded pot) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven Lift the dough with parchment paper and lower both into the pot Cover with the lid.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 30 minutes (lid on), then remove the lid and bake another 15 minutes, until golden brown and crusty.
- Step 9:
- Transfer bread to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.
Save This bread always brings my family together especially on weekend mornings fresh from the oven.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, Wooden spoon or spatula, Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot, Parchment paper, Kitchen towel
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (wheat) Vegan friendly Always check packaging for cross contamination if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Calories 135 Total Fat 0.3 g Carbohydrates 28 g Protein 4 g
Save 
Enjoy your homemade crusty bread with your favorite toppings fresh or toasted.
Recipe FAQs
- → Why is long resting time important?
Resting for 12–18 hours allows the dough to ferment slowly, which enhances flavor and creates an airy texture with bubbles throughout the bread.
- → Can I bake without a Dutch oven?
While a Dutch oven creates ideal steam and crust, a heavy lidded pot or baking stone with added steam can also work to develop a crisp surface.
- → How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread is finished when it turns golden brown, has a hollow sound when tapped underneath, and an internal temperature near 190°F (88°C).
- → What variations can enhance flavor?
Mixing in herbs, seeds, or roasted garlic before the first rise adds aromatic complexity and richer taste to the loaf.
- → Is this bread suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this loaf contains no animal products and is ideal for vegan and vegetarian diets.