Dutch Oven Bread

Hey there friends! Today, I want to share a fantastic homemade bread recipe that’s not only super simple but also amazingly delicious! With just a few basic ingredients, a Dutch oven, and a little bit of patience, you can bake a crusty, golden-brown loaf of bread that will make your house smell amazing. Let’s dive right in!

Ingredients:

2 cups lukewarm water

1 envelope active dry yeast

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Begin by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm water and the envelope of active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is the magical moment when your bread starts to come to life!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and pour in the activated yeast mixture and the olive oil. Stir everything together until it forms a shaggy dough.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour as needed.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. I like to just leave it on the kitchen counter while I go about my day.

Step 5: Preheat and Shape

When the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). While the oven is heating up, place your Dutch oven (with the lid on) inside to preheat as well. This helps create that perfect crust.

Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and shape it into a round loaf. You can sprinkle a bit of flour on the surface to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Bake

Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven and place your shaped dough inside. Put the lid back on and return it to the oven. Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on, and then remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the bread is beautifully golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Once your bread is done, remove it from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack covered with a tea towel for a bit. It’s so tempting to slice into it immediately, but giving it a few minutes to cool slightly will make for easier slicing and better texture.