There’s something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, a scent that takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen in the heart of the Midwest. This Dutch oven crusty bread is a nod to those cherished days, where simplicity and patience were key. With just a handful of ingredients and a little time, you can create a loaf that’s as golden and rustic as the fields of wheat that stretch across our land. It’s the kind of bread that brings people together, perfect for sharing stories and creating new memories.
This crusty bread is a versatile companion to any meal. Serve it warm with a generous pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for breakfast. It pairs beautifully with hearty soups and stews, soaking up every bit of flavor. For a simple yet satisfying lunch, slice it thick and layer with your favorite meats and cheeses. And don’t forget, it’s perfect for mopping up the last bit of gravy from a Sunday roast.
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Easiest Dutch Oven Crusty Bread
Servings: 1 loaf
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups warm water
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
Add the warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, until the surface is dotted with bubbles.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven in the oven as it heats.
When the oven is ready, carefully remove the Dutch oven and place a piece of parchment paper on the counter.
Turn the dough out onto the parchment paper and shape it into a ball. It will be sticky, so flour your hands if needed.
Carefully place the dough and parchment paper into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and crusty.
Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Variations & Tips
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