Description

This Easy Dutch Oven No Knead Bread recipe offers a simple and rewarding way to bake artisan-style bread at home without the hassle of kneading. Using minimal ingredients and a slow fermentation process, the dough develops rich flavor and texture. Baking in a preheated Dutch oven creates a crisp, golden crust with a tender, airy crumb—a classic comfort bread perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1½ teaspoons sea salt

Wet Ingredients

1½ cups warm water (105°F)

Instructions

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, active dry yeast, and sea salt until well combined.
Mix the Dough: Pour in the warm water and stir until all ingredients come together to form a shaggy, somewhat sticky dough ball. The mixture should look slightly rough and uneven.
First Rise Setup: Transfer your dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap, then place a dampened kitchen towel over top to maintain optimal humidity.
Long, Slow Rise: Place the covered bowl in a draft-free location at room temperature and allow the dough to rise for 18 to 24 hours. The dough will become bubbly and develop a complex flavor during this time.
Preheat Your Setup: Position your oven rack in the middle and place your Dutch oven inside. Preheat to 450°F and allow the Dutch oven to heat for at least 30 minutes.
Shape the Loaf: Turn the dough onto a generously floured surface. With floured hands, gently gather and shape the dough into a round loaf, being careful not to deflate it too much.
Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer the shaped dough into your preheated Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until deeply golden brown.
Cool and Enjoy: Remove the finished loaf from the Dutch oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Make sure the water is at the right temperature (around 105°F) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
The long fermentation time enhances flavor and texture, so plan ahead.
Use a well-seasoned Dutch oven for best results to prevent sticking.
Allow the bread to cool completely; slicing too early can make the crumb gummy.
For a crispier crust, you may leave the lid off for the final 15 minutes of baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: no knead bread, Dutch oven bread, easy homemade bread, artisan bread, slow rise bread