Easy Dutch Oven Bread Recipe
If you're craving the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread, this no knead Dutch oven bread recipe is here to make your day. It's perfect for beginners and bread enthusiasts alike, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. The result? A golden, crusty loaf with a soft, airy interior. Let’s dive into the delicious details!
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Ingredients
3 cups plain flour
4 tsp dry instant yeast
3 tsp salt
3 cups warm water (around 40°C)
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Method
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed. Add the warm water and continue mixing until the dough comes together in a ball.
- Let it Rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray and a damp tea towel. Allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 18-24 hours. Patience is key here as the long resting time develops the bread’s flavour and texture.
- Preheat the Oven: Once your dough has rested, preheat your oven to 230°C. Place a 12-inch Dutch oven with its lid inside the oven while it’s heating up. (We used a Crumble Classic Round Dutch Oven in the shade Peach Pink for this recipe.) This step ensures the pot is sizzling hot for baking.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Form it into a ball, adding a little extra flour if necessary. The dough should remain slightly loose and sticky—don’t worry if it’s floppy! Cover it with a floured towel while your oven finishes preheating.
- Bake the Bread: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven using oven mitts. Spray the dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Gently place the dough ball into the pot, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Cover with the lid and bake for 35 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown. For perfect doneness, check that the internal temperature has reached 85°C.
- Cool and Enjoy: Transfer the bread to a cooling rack and let it rest before slicing. To keep it warm, cover it with a tea towel.
Pro Tip: Serve this rustic loaf with a drizzle of olive oil, a smear of butter, or your favourite soup. It’s a versatile bread that pairs beautifully with almost anything.
Enjoy the magic of homemade bread with this foolproof recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen!
This recipe is courtesy of Laura over at Joy Food Sunshine
