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Dutch Oven No Knead Crusty Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 78 reviews

This Dutch Oven No Knead Crusty Bread recipe delivers a rustic, artisan loaf with a crunchy crust and soft interior, all without the need for kneading. Perfect for beginners and busy bakers, this method uses simple ingredients and the unique heat retention of a Dutch oven to create bakery-quality bread at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 100°F)
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2.25 teaspoons)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons fine grain salt
  • 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and salt. Whisk until the yeast is dissolved to activate it properly.
  2. Form dough: Add all the flour at once and stir until a sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the correct dough texture.
  3. First rise: Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 2-3 hours until it has doubled in size.
  4. Preheat Dutch oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F and place the Dutch oven inside for about 30 minutes to ensure it’s thoroughly heated.
  5. Shape loaf: Scrape the risen dough onto floured parchment paper and gently shape it into a round loaf.
  6. Transfer to Dutch oven: Using the parchment paper, carefully lift the dough and place it into the preheated Dutch oven.
  7. Bake covered: Bake the bread covered for about 35 minutes to trap steam, which helps develop the crust.
  8. Bake uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the crust is a deep golden brown and crisp.
  9. Cool: Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing to finish the baking process and prevent it from becoming gummy inside.

Notes

  • Make sure the water is warm, around 100°F, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Do not skip preheating the Dutch oven; this step is crucial for developing the perfect crust.
  • Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
  • You can store leftover bread wrapped in a cloth bag at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Use parchment paper to easily transfer the dough without sticking and to prevent burns.

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

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