Easy Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

I love my Bread No Knead Dutch Oven recipe featuring 3 cups all purpose flour, a dash of instant yeast, salt, and water. This simple mix yields a loaf with tender crumb and crisp golden crust in minutes of prep. It is perfect for beginner bakers who appreciate delightful simplicity.

I’ve been playing around in the kitchen with a new easy Dutch oven bread recipe that’s seriously addictive. This no knead bread is made from just 3 cups all purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1 1/2 cups water.

It takes only about 5 minutes to put together and it’s perfect for anyone, especially if you’re just starting out with artisan Dutch oven bread recipes. I love how this airy dough comes together so simply and bakes with a soft, tender crumb and a golden crust that’s full of flavor.

Even if you never learned how to knead bread, this recipe shows that you don’t need a lot of fancy steps to create a delicious Dutch oven loaf. Trust me, if you give it a go, you’ll be hooked on this easy-to-follow, no fuss bread recipe.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a few reasons. First, the ingredients are super simple which means I can grab them from my pantry without stressing about a million items. Second, the no knead process is awesome because it makes the dough really easy to work with even if I’m not the best at baking. Third, letting the dough rest for 12 hours gives it a really amazing flavor and texture that I cant get with rushed recipes. Finally, I love how the Dutch oven makes the crust super golden and crunchy so it’s like stepping into a fancy bakery even in my own kitchen.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour provides carbs and some fiber, forming the bread’s structure.
• Instant yeast ferments dough, creatin bubbles for a light, airy crumb.
• Salt boosts flavor and regulates yeast growth during fermentation.
• Water hydrates ingredients and activates yeast, enabling dough to rise.
• Flour’s carbohydrates supply energy, making the bread filling and satisfying.
• Yeast fermentation creates a mild tang and improves breads digestibility.
• Proper water balance ensures gluten development and yelds a soft, chewy texture.
• Combined, these ingredients create flavorful, rustic bread with a crisp crust and tender interior.
• The simple mix of ingredients leads to a satisfying homemade treat.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 cups water

How to Make this

1. In a large bowl, mix the 3 cups of flour, 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast, and 1 1/4 teaspoons salt together.

2. Pour in the 1 1/2 cups of water and stir until all the dry ingredients are moistened. The dough will look shaggy and kinda sticky.

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

4. After the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F while placing your Dutch oven inside so it’s really hot.

5. Gently tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Be sure not to knock out too much air as you work with it.

6. Form the dough into a rough ball. It might be sticky, so dust your hands with a little extra flour.

7. Carefully pop the dough into your preheated Dutch oven, then put the lid on.

8. Bake the dough covered for 30 minutes, then remove the lid carefully.

9. Continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the crust turns a deep golden brown.

10. Once done, take your bread out of the Dutch oven and place it on a rack to cool for at least an hour before cutting it up. Enjoy your fresh bread!

Equipment Needed

1. A large mixing bowl to combine your flour, yeast, and salt
2. Measuring cups and spoons so you can accurately measure out the flour, yeast, salt, and water
3. A stirring spoon or spatula to mix the wet and dry ingredients
4. Plastic wrap or a clean towel to cover the bowl during the long rest
5. An oven and a Dutch oven with a lid so you can bake the bread
6. A lightly floured surface (and a dough scraper if you have one) to tip and shape your dough
7. A cooling rack to let the bread cool before cutting it up

FAQ

Easy Dutch Oven Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• All purpose flour: You can try bread flour or even whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Just keep in mind that whole wheat might need a little extra water.
• Instant yeast: If u dont have instant yeast then active dry yeast works fine. You may need to use about 1/3 teaspoon since it’s a bit less potent.
• Salt: Instead of table salt, kosher salt or sea salt works well. Just be sure to check the conversion since they can be less salty by volume.
• Water: To add a little flavor boost, try mixing half water and half milk. This can make your bread a bit softer, which might be what you’re lookin for.

Pro Tips

1. Be extra careful not to deflate your dough too much when you move it onto your floured surface – those little air bubbles help make the bread light and airy.
2. If your dough seems a bit too sticky or wet, sprinkle in a little extra flour as you work it, but be sure not to overdo it or your bread might get too dense.
3. Keep an eye on the resting time – if your room is really cool, the dough might need a bit more than 12 hours to rise properly, so don’t be afraid to let it sit a little longer.
4. When handling the hot Dutch oven, use thick oven mitts and be super careful removing the lid after the first 30 minutes; the steam can be pretty nasty and you don’t wanna burn yourself.