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Crispy Dutch Oven No-Knead Artisan Bread

crispy dutch oven no-knead artisan bread - featured image

A simple no-knead artisan bread recipe baked in a Dutch oven for a crispy crust and soft interior, perfect for everyday baking without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • Optional: cornmeal or flour for dusting the Dutch oven bottom

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Stir to blend dry ingredients evenly.
  2. Gradually pour in 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C) while stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough is shaggy, sticky, and loose.
  3. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until the surface is dotted with bubbles and the dough has roughly doubled.
  4. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) with the Dutch oven and lid inside for about 30 minutes.
  5. Lightly flour a clean surface and your hands. Turn the dough out gently and shape it into a rough ball. Let it rest for 30 minutes while the oven heats.
  6. Carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven from the oven, dust the bottom with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking, and place the dough ball inside.
  7. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes to trap steam and develop the crust.
  8. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and crisp.
  9. Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool for at least one hour before slicing.

Notes

Do not overwork the dough; the long rest develops gluten naturally. Use a well-seasoned Dutch oven to prevent sticking. Cooling the bread fully before slicing is essential to avoid a gummy crumb. If crust is not crispy enough, bake uncovered a bit longer while watching carefully. An oven thermometer helps maintain correct temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-knead bread, Dutch oven bread, artisan bread, easy bread recipe, crispy crust bread, homemade bread