Print

Easy No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread Recipe Perfect for Beginners

No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple, no-knead bread recipe using a Dutch oven that yields a crusty, golden loaf with minimal prep and hands-off rising time. Perfect for beginners and anyone craving homemade bread without the hassle.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) lukewarm water
  • Optional: up to 1 cup whole wheat flour (substitute for all-purpose flour)
  • Optional: gluten-free flour blend (1:1 substitution for all-purpose flour)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast, and 1 1/4 teaspoons salt. Mix evenly with a spoon. (Prep time: 5 minutes)
  2. Pour in 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) lukewarm water and stir with a wooden spoon until the dough forms a sticky, shaggy mass. Do not add more flour.
  3. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until bubbly and doubled in size.
  4. About 30 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) with the Dutch oven and lid inside.
  5. Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out using a spatula or hands. Gently fold it over onto itself a couple of times to form a rough ball. Cover with a towel and let rest for 30 minutes.
  6. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Place the dough ball inside (use parchment paper if desired). Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
  7. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and crisp. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  8. Transfer the bread to a wire rack and cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

Preheat the Dutch oven to ensure a crispy crust. The dough is sticky by design; flour your hands lightly if needed. The long fermentation time develops flavor and texture. Cooling the bread before slicing prevents a gummy crumb. You can refrigerate the dough overnight for a slower rise and better flavor. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking when placing dough in the Dutch oven. Variations include adding herbs, garlic, seeds, or substituting whole wheat or gluten-free flours.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-knead bread, Dutch oven bread, easy bread recipe, beginner bread, homemade bread, crusty bread, simple bread recipe

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/easy-no-knead-dutch-oven-bread-recipe-perfect-for-beginners/