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Dutch oven bread recipe

Rustic Dutch Oven Bread

A rustic Dutch oven bread with a crispy crust and soft, airy interior, made with simple ingredients and a foolproof method.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Rise Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American, European
Servings 1 loaf
Calories 1500 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 4 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups + 2 tablespoons lukewarm water around 110°F
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add the warm water, stirring with a spoon until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough by hand for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 4-5 minutes.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Place it in a warm spot and let the dough rise for 60-90 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
  • Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Stretch the dough outward gently, then fold the top and bottom edges toward the center. Repeat with the left and right sides. Perform this folding process 3-4 times to build structure. Shape the dough into a smooth, tight ball by tucking the edges underneath.
  • Line a bowl or proofing basket with parchment paper and lightly flour it. Place the shaped dough into the prepared bowl, dust the top lightly with flour, and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise for 15-30 minutes while you preheat the oven.
  • Place a Dutch oven with its lid inside your oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C). Let the Dutch oven heat for at least 30 minutes.
  • Carefully lift the dough, parchment paper and all, and place it into the preheated Dutch oven. Optionally, use a sharp knife to score the top of the dough. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the lid, lower the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C), and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  • Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing. For a crisp crust, cool uncovered; for a softer crust, cover with a kitchen towel while cooling.

Notes

Rising times may vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen. In cooler environments, it may take closer to 90 minutes for the first rise. Look for the dough to double in size as your main indicator.
Preheating the Dutch oven is essential for achieving a great crust. It ensures the dough gets an immediate burst of heat, helping the bread rise and develop its signature crust.

Nutrition

Calories: 1500kcal
Keyword Crusty bread, Dutch oven bread, Easy bread recipe, Homemade bread, Rustic bread
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