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Easy No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread: Perfect Homemade Loaf

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This easy no-knead Dutch oven bread recipe requires just four ingredients and minimal hands-on time to produce a bakery-quality loaf with a crackling crust and chewy interior. Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (9 grams) salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) warm water (105-110°F / 40-43°C)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Whisk together.
  2. Pour in the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. No dry flour should remain.
  3. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it sit at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until doubled in size and bubbly.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a generously floured surface. Gently shape it into a ball by folding edges toward the center. Do not knead.
  5. Place the dough seam-side down on a piece of parchment paper. Cover loosely and let rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  6. Place a Dutch oven (with lid) in the cold oven. Preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Using a sharp knife or lame, score the top of the dough with a few slashes (e.g., an X or parallel lines).
  8. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven. Use the parchment paper as a sling to lower the dough into the pot. Cover with the lid.
  9. Bake covered for 30 minutes. Then remove the lid and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Internal temperature should be 200-210°F (93-99°C).
  10. Use the parchment to lift the bread out of the pot. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

Don’t rush the rise; the long fermentation develops flavor and texture. Use parchment paper for easy transfer. Let the bread cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy interior. Store cut-side down at room temperature for up to 2 days; freeze sliced for longer storage.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/easy-no-knead-dutch-oven-bread-perfect-homemade-loaf/