Easy Crispy No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread Recipe Perfect for Beginners
A simple no-knead bread recipe that requires minimal effort and yields a crusty, golden loaf with a tender crumb, perfect for beginners and busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) warm water (about 100°F/38°C)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Stir to combine evenly.
- Pour in 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) warm water (about 100°F/38°C). Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough is shaggy and sticky with no dry flour patches.
- Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours until it doubles in size and bubbles form.
- Place your Dutch oven with the lid on into a cold oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) about 45 minutes before baking.
- Lightly flour a work surface and scrape the dough out. Fold it over itself a few times to shape into a rough ball. Let it rest for 30 minutes while the oven preheats.
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Place the dough ball inside using parchment paper to prevent sticking. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the crust is deeply golden and crackly.
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
Do not rush the fermentation; the long, slow rise develops flavor and texture. Preheat the Dutch oven to trap steam for a crispy crust. Use parchment paper to transfer dough easily. Cool bread completely before slicing to avoid gummy texture. If crust is not crispy enough, leave uncovered a few extra minutes or briefly broil while watching carefully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of l
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: no-knead bread, Dutch oven bread, easy bread recipe, crispy crust bread, beginner bread recipe, homemade bread