Easy Crispy Dutch Oven No Knead Bread Recipe Perfect for Beginners
A simple no-knead bread recipe using a Dutch oven that yields a crispy crust and soft, airy crumb. Perfect for beginners and requires minimal hands-on time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 13 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) lukewarm water (around 75°F/24°C)
Instructions
- Combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast, and 1 1/4 teaspoons salt in a large mixing bowl until evenly distributed.
- Pour in 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. Mix for 2 to 3 minutes without overmixing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until nearly doubled in size and dotted with air pockets.
- About 30 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) with the empty Dutch oven and lid inside.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and scrape the dough onto it. Gently fold the dough over itself once or twice to shape into a ball, keeping air bubbles intact.
- Place the dough seam side down on parchment paper. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven, lift the dough with parchment paper, and place it inside the Dutch oven. Cover with the lid.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes to trap steam and develop crust.
- Remove the lid and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until deep golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack and cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
Do not rush the first rise; the long fermentation develops flavor and texture. Use lukewarm water to activate yeast gently. Preheat the Dutch oven to ensure a crispy crust. Handle dough gently to preserve air bubbles. Cool bread at least 1 hour before slicing to avoid gummy crumb. If no Dutch oven, bake on a preheated baking stone with a tray of hot water to mimic steam.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loa
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: no knead bread, Dutch oven bread, easy bread recipe, crispy crust bread, beginner bread recipe, artisan bread, homemade bread