Pin It A wonderfully crusty, airy artisan-style bread made with minimal effort and simple ingredients perfect for beginners and bread enthusiasts alike.
This bread quickly became my favorite for its ease and delicious crust.
Ingredients
- Dough: 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- Dough: 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) instant yeast
- Dough: 1 1/4 teaspoons (8 g) salt
- Dough: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) lukewarm water
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, instant yeast, and salt.
- Step 2:
- Add the lukewarm water and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
- Step 3:
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest at room temperature for 12 18 hours until the surface is dotted with bubbles and dough has doubled in size.
- Step 4:
- Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it. With floured hands, fold the dough over on itself once or twice. Shape it loosely into a ball.
- Step 5:
- Place dough seam-side down on a piece of parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let rest for 30 60 minutes while the oven preheats.
- Step 6:
- Place a Dutch oven (or heavy lidded pot) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Lift the dough with parchment paper and lower both into the pot. Cover with the lid.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 30 minutes (lid on) then remove the lid and bake another 15 minutes until golden brown and crusty.
- Step 9:
- Transfer bread to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.
Pin It This bread always brings the family together for fresh homemade meals.
Notes
For added flavor mix in herbs seeds or roasted garlic before the first rise
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl Wooden spoon or spatula Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot Parchment paper Kitchen towel
Allergen Information
Always check packaging for cross-contamination if allergies are a concern
Pin It 
Enjoy your homemade artisan bread fresh or toasted for breakfast or snacks.
Recipe Q&A
- → What makes this bread crusty without kneading?
The long fermentation allows gluten to develop naturally. Baking in a hot covered pot traps steam for a crisp crust.
- → How important is the resting time?
Resting for 12-18 hours enables fermentation, which gives the bread its airy texture and rich flavor.
- → Can I add flavors to the dough?
Yes, herbs, seeds, or roasted garlic can be mixed in before the first rise to enhance taste.
- → What tools do I need to bake this bread?
A mixing bowl, wooden spoon or spatula, parchment paper, kitchen towel, and a Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot are required.
- → Is this loaf suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, all ingredients are vegan-friendly, using flour, water, salt, and yeast only.
- → How should I store the bread after baking?
Let it cool completely, then store at room temperature wrapped loosely to maintain crust crispness.