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The Easiest Bread in the Entire World Recipe

4.9 from 58 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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