There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread baking in your oven. This Easiest Dutch Oven Crusty Bread is a simple recipe that anyone can make at home. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a warm, crusty loaf that your whole family will love.
Why make this recipe
Making bread at home is not only rewarding, but it’s also a fun activity to do with your family. This recipe is easy and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or equipment. Plus, using a Dutch oven helps create that perfect crust that everyone loves. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner or just to have fresh bread on hand, this recipe is a winner.
How to make Easiest Dutch Oven Crusty Bread
Ingredients :
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
Directions :
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and yeast together.
- Add the warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise for 12-18 hours at room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven inside.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a ball.
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven and place the dough inside.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing.
How to serve Easiest Dutch Oven Crusty Bread
This bread is perfect served warm with a pat of butter. You can enjoy it alongside soup, salad, or even as a sandwich. It also makes a great snack on its own!
How to store Easiest Dutch Oven Crusty Bread
Store any leftover bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in a bread bin at room temperature. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze slices in a plastic bag. Just toast them directly from the freezer when you’re ready to eat!
Tips to make Easiest Dutch Oven Crusty Bread
- Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to help the yeast activate.
- Don’t skip the rising time; it’s essential for developing flavor.
- Experiment with adding herbs or cheese for extra flavor!
Variation (if any)
You can try adding different types of flour like whole wheat or adding seeds for a crunchy texture. Using herbs like rosemary or thyme can also give your bread a lovely flavor!
FAQs
1. Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you’ll need to activate regular yeast in warm water before mixing it with the other ingredients.
2. What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
You can use any oven-safe pot with a lid, but the crust may not be as perfect.
3. Can I make this recipe in a bread machine?
This recipe is designed for oven baking, but you can adapt it for a bread machine by following your machine’s instructions while using the same basic ingredients.