Easy Crusty Dutch Oven Bread

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 13:00:25 GMT

Step 1

First, whisk together your yeast, warm water, and salt in a medium sized mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes and then add in your flour. You can use active dry yeast, or instant dry yeast.

Step 2

The mixture will be shaggy and moist. Combine the flour until the liquid is absorbed and sticky dough is formed.

Step 3

Spray a separate mixing bowl with cooking spray or coat with olive oil and place the dough ball into the bowl. Cover with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm space for 3 hours.

Step 4

Since it’s been cold here in Baltimore, I allow my dough to rise in my oven with the oven light on. You can also preheat your oven and leave your bowl on top of the stove to allow the bowl to warm as it rises. After 3 hours, you can either bake it or save the dough to bake up to one week later by storing the dough in the fridge. If you would like to do this, place a tea towel or plastic wrap over the bowl carrying the dough with a little room for air to escape. The longer you leave the dough to rest the better.

Step 5

30 minutes before the three hours is up, preheat your oven to 450F. I usually place my dutch oven (WITH the lid on!)in the oven while it preheats. Once your oven is preheated, allow your dutch oven to reach the same temperature for about 10 minutes.

Step 6

When you’re ready to bake, spray your dutch oven with cooking spray and place your dough ball on top of a piece of parchment paper and flip the dough on its back. You can score the bread with a sharp razor blade or exacto knife if you like. Simply make an ‘x’ or a hashtag on the top of the loaf. Place the parchment paper inside your dutch oven. CAUTION: Please do this carefully as the dutch oven is extremely hot!! Place the lid back on top of the dutch oven and carefully place it back in the oven.

Step 7

Bake for 30 minutes and then 15 more minutes with the lid off to achieve a nicely browned crusty top.

Step 8

Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

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