Traditional Dutch Oven Bread

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Traditional Dutch Oven Bread is one of those simple yet magical recipes that transforms basic ingredients into something extraordinary. With a crispy crust and soft, chewy interior, this bread is a heartwarming addition to any meal or a delight on its own.

Ingredients for Traditional Dutch Oven Bread

All-purpose flour forms the base of our bread, providing structure and that all-important chew. We want a good quality flour for the best texture.
Active dry yeast is the powerhouse behind the bread rising, even in such a small quantity. With a long resting period, it works its magic slowly, developing flavor along the way.
Salt enhances the flavor of the bread. It’s a small amount but essential for taste.
Warm water brings everything together, activating the yeast and forming our dough. Aim for warm water, not hot, to keep the yeast happy.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a more flavorful bread, extend the resting time to the full 18 hours.
  • If your kitchen is particularly cold, place the dough in a warmer spot, like on top of the fridge.
  • Use parchment paper in the Dutch oven for easier cleanup.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with a slather of salted butter for a simple treat. It pairs beautifully with soups and stews, acting as the perfect vessel for sopping up every last drop. For breakfast, toast slices and top with avocado or your favorite jam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but it will change the texture slightly. Try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a hearty loaf.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap the bread in a clean kitchen towel and store at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the bread and reheat in the oven.
What if I don't have a Dutch oven?
You can use any heavy oven-safe pot with a lid. Cast iron works great!

Traditional Dutch Oven Bread Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and tossing in your flour, yeast, and salt. Give it a quick stir with your hands or a spoon to distribute everything evenly. Now, gradually pour in the warm water. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until you get a shaggy, somewhat sticky dough. It might look a bit messy, but that’s exactly what you’re aiming for.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature. This is where patience kicks in — you’ll want to let it sit for 12 to 18 hours. During this time, your dough will transform, doubling in size and developing those lovely bubbles on the surface.

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 450°F. Meanwhile, place your Dutch oven, lid included, inside the oven to heat up. This preheating step is crucial for achieving that characteristic crispy crust.

Flour a clean surface and gently turn your dough out of the bowl. It’s time to shape it into a ball. You don’t need to knead — just a quick tuck and turn to form a nice round shape. Carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven from the oven (oven mitts are your best friend here) and place your dough inside. Cover it with the lid and pop it back in the oven.

Bake the bread for 30 minutes with the lid on. Then, remove the lid and let it bake for another 15 minutes or until the crust is a deep golden brown. This final step without the lid helps develop that beautiful crust.

When it’s done, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s tempting to slice right in, but letting it cool ensures the best texture inside.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • No kneading required — perfect for busy days.
  • Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
  • Impressively artisan results with little effort.
  • Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups warm water

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
2. Gradually add the warm water, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours until the surface is dotted with bubbles and the dough is doubled in size.
4. Preheat your oven to 450°F and place a Dutch oven with its lid in the preheating oven.
5. Meanwhile, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and quickly shape it into a ball.
6. Carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven, place the dough inside, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the bread is a deep golden brown.
8. Carefully transfer the bread to a rack to cool completely.

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