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Easy Dutch Oven No-Knead Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 84 reviews

This Easy Dutch Oven No Knead Bread recipe allows you to bake a crusty, artisan-style loaf with minimal effort. Using simple pantry ingredients and a Dutch oven, this no-knead method results in a flavorful bread with a crunchy crust and soft interior, perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 105°F)

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and sea salt. Pour in the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky, shaggy dough forms.
  2. First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, until the surface is dotted with bubbles and the dough has expanded significantly.
  3. Preheat Dutch Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, place a 6 to 8-quart Dutch oven with its lid inside the oven and preheat to 450°F to ensure it is very hot.
  4. Shape Dough: Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Using floured hands, gently shape the dough into a rough ball without kneading. Let it rest for about 15 minutes, loosely covered with a towel.
  5. Prepare for Baking: Remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Carefully place the dough ball into the Dutch oven, cover with the lid, and return it to the oven.
  6. Bake Covered: Bake the bread covered for 30 minutes. The lid traps steam, helping to develop a crusty exterior.
  7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the bread is deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  8. Cool Bread: Transfer the bread to a wire rack and allow it to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing to complete the cooking process and enhance texture.

Notes

  • The long rise time develops flavor and gluten structure without the need for kneading.
  • Make sure the water temperature is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
  • Use a well-seasoned or enameled Dutch oven for best results.
  • Allow the bread to cool completely to avoid a gummy texture when sliced.
  • You can add herbs, garlic, or olives for flavor variations.

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

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/easy-dutch-oven-no-knead-bread-recipe/