The Easiest Bread in the Entire World Recipe

Introduction

Discover the secret to the easiest bread you can make at home today. This simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, resulting in a deliciously crusty loaf perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 6 cups bread flour (substitute with all-purpose flour, texture may vary)
• 2 packets rapid-rise yeast
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 3 cups warm water (around 100-110°F)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a very large bowl, combine the bread flour, rapid-rise yeast, salt, and warm water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Step 2: Cover the bowl gently with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for at least 3 hours, or up to 2 days if refrigerated.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a Dutch oven inside to heat for at least 30 minutes.
4. Step 4: Lightly flour your counter and turn the risen dough onto it. Shape gently into a ball.
5. Step 5: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Lift the dough on parchment paper and place it inside the Dutch oven.
6. Step 6: Bake covered at 400°F for about 1 hour.
7. Step 7: Check the crust color; if golden brown, remove the lid and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.

Tips & Variations

• For a softer crust, brush the bread with melted butter immediately after baking.
• Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for extra flavor.
• Using all-purpose flour will work, but expect a slightly different texture.
• Letting the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight develops deeper flavor.

Storage

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Reheat in the oven or toaster for best results.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular yeast instead of rapid-rise yeast?

Yes, but allow extra rising time since regular yeast works more slowly. Expect the dough to take longer to double in size.

Do I have to use a Dutch oven?

While a Dutch oven helps create a perfect crust by trapping steam, you can bake the loaf on a baking sheet with a pan of water nearby to add moisture.

The Easiest Bread in the Entire World Recipe

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Discover the secret to making The Easiest Bread in the Entire World with this simple, quick, and deliciously crusty recipe. Using just a few basic ingredients and a Dutch oven, you can bake a perfect artisan-style bread with a golden-brown crust and soft interior.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 10 slices 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: International

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough

• 6 cups bread flour (Substitute with all-purpose flour if desired, but texture will vary)
• 2 packets rapid-rise yeast (helps the dough rise faster)
• 1 tablespoon salt (enhances flavor and strengthens dough)
• 3 cups warm water (water should feel warm to touch, around 100-110°F)

Instructions

1. Mix Ingredients: In a very large bowl, combine the 6 cups of bread flour, 2 packets of rapid-rise yeast, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 3 cups of warm water. Stir together until a shaggy dough forms.
2. First Rise: Gently cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for at least 3 hours, or optionally refrigerate for up to 2 days for a slower fermentation and deeper flavor development.
3. Preheat Dutch Oven: Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place your Dutch oven inside the oven to preheat for at least 30 minutes, ensuring it is very hot before baking.
4. Shape Dough: Lightly flour your countertop and carefully turn the risen dough out onto it. Gently shape the dough into a smooth round ball without deflating it too much.
5. Transfer Dough to Dutch Oven: Lift the shaped dough using parchment paper and carefully place it inside the preheated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid.
6. Bake Covered: Bake the dough at 400°F for about 1 hour with the lid on. This traps steam and helps create a crusty exterior.
7. Finish Baking Uncovered: After 1 hour, check the crust for a golden brown color. If achieved, remove the lid and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 minutes to crisp up the crust further.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven, allow it to cool on a wire rack for best texture. Serve warm with butter for a comforting experience.

Notes

• Serve the bread warm with butter for the best comforting experience.
• Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature or in a bread box to maintain freshness.
• You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days for a slower rise and richer flavor.
• Using a Dutch oven is key to achieving the perfect crust, but you can use a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid as an alternative.

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