Easy Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

This rustic loaf boasts a bubbly interior and crisp golden crust. A long fermentation yields an airy texture and inviting aroma reminiscent of a French boulangerie. Perfect for any occasion, it is featured among Easy Dutch Oven Bread Recipes For Beginners and serves as an ideal example of Homemade French Bread.

I love experimenting with simple recipes and this Easy Dutch Oven Bread Recipe is one of my favorites. I discovered that using 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast and 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water makes a rustic french bread that is perfect for everyday meals.

The mixture creates a dough that when baked in my Dutch oven develops a delicious chewy crust and a soft interior. This bread is a great source of steady carbs that can keep you energetic during a busy day, and with only a pinch of salt and minimal fat the nutritional value is appealing if you watch your diet.

Dusting extra flour on your work surface is key to avoid a sticky mess during the kneading process. Even if you are new to bread making, I found this recipe super easy to follow and perfect for sandwiches or just enjoying a warm slice with butter.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I like this recipe because it’s super simple and the ingredients are things I’m likely to have at home, so I don’t stress about finding rare stuff.
2. I love how the dough gets all bubbly and airy after resting for so long, it makes me feel like I’m really getting into the art of baking.
3. I enjoy the amazing smell of the freshly baked bread, it fills my kitchen and makes everything feel warm and cozy.
4. I really like that the Dutch oven gives the bread a crisp crust and rustic vibe, even though the process is a bit messy sometimes.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: This is mostly carbs and a bit of protein.

  It makes the bread soft and filling.

• Salt: It adds a balanced savory taste and helps control the yeast action.

  Its more than just flavor.

• Instant yeast: Vital for rising the dough.

  It helps create an airy texture while giving a slight tang.

• Lukewarm water: Activates the yeast and builds gluten for a good structure.

  It’s essential and has no calories.

• Extra flour: Used for dusting so the dough doesn’t stick.

  It also adds a subtle flavor boost.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
• Extra flour for dusting your work surface

How to Make this

1. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast.

2. Pour in 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water and mix until it forms a sticky dough.

3. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours.

4. After the resting period the dough should be bubbly and have risen a lot.

5. Place a little extra flour on your work surface and gently turn the dough out onto it.

6. With floured hands shape the dough roughly into a round loaf; dont worry if it isn’t perfect.

7. Preheat your oven to 450°F and put your Dutch oven inside so it gets really hot.

8. Once the oven is heated, carefully transfer the dough (you can use some parchment paper if you want) into the Dutch oven.

9. Place the lid on the Dutch oven and bake for about 30 minutes.

10. Remove the lid and bake for another 15 minutes until the bread has a nice golden crust. Allow the bread to cool a bit before slicing and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. A large bowl
2. A clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
3. A work surface dusted with some extra flour
4. An oven preheated to 450°F
5. A Dutch oven with a lid
6. Parchment paper (optional)

FAQ

Easy Dutch Oven Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For the all-purpose flour you can mix in some whole wheat flour or even bread flour to give it a slightly denser texture, just experiment with a 50/50 blend
• If you don’t have instant yeast then try using active dry yeast instead, but let it proof in a little bit of warm water before mixing with the rest
• Lukewarm water can be swapped with filtered or spring water to help improve the flavor of the bread, just make sure its not too hot
• You can replace the extra flour for dusting with a light sprinkle of cornmeal or semolina which helps keep the dough from sticking to your work surface

Pro Tips

1. For a better rise, try letting your dough rest in a warm, draft-free spot. Even if the recipe says room temperature, if your place is chill, it can help to set your dough in a cozy corner or even near a turned-off radiator.
2. When you’re working with the flour on your work surface, don’t go overboard. A light dusting is enough so the dough doesn’t dry out, and you still get that chewy crust.
3. Be extra careful with the Dutch oven—it’ll be super hot! Always use oven mitts and steady utensils when you’re transferring the dough, especially if you decide to use parchment paper to ease the process.
4. If you’re aiming for a more even shape, try gently stretching the dough as you form your loaf, but remember it’s totally fine if it looks a bit rough. That rustic look is all part of the charm.