Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

If you're looking for the easiest way to bake fresh, homemade bread, this Easy No Knead Bread is just what you need! With only four simple ingredients and barely any hands-on time, you'll be amazed at how effortlessly you can create a stunning artisan-style loaf. This Dutch Oven Bread Recipe delivers a golden, crispy crust and a soft, airy interior—just like the kind you'd find at a bakery. The best part? Your trusty Dutch oven does most of the work, creating the ideal baking environment for the perfect loaf every time. Once you try this Dutch Oven Bread Recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Dutch Oven Bread?

There’s something truly magical about the warm, inviting aroma of fresh bread filling your kitchen. That’s why this Dutch Oven No Knead Crusty Bread has become a go-to favorite for home bakers—it’s incredibly simple and nearly foolproof! With no kneading required, the long, slow fermentation works its magic, creating rich, complex flavors. Meanwhile, your trusty Dutch oven ensures the perfect steamy environment for that beautifully crispy crust we all love. Once you try this Dutch Oven Bread Recipe, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start baking bread at home sooner!

Ingredients

This basic Dutch oven bread, you'll need:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (390g)
• 1¼ teaspoons salt (7g)
• ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast (1g)
• 1½ cups warm water (350ml)

Why These Ingredients Matter

• All-purpose flour: Creates the perfect structure for a chewy, well-developed crumb. For best results, use unbleached flour, which has better flavor and protein content.
• Salt: Beyond flavor, salt controls yeast growth and strengthens the gluten network. Don't skip it!
• Active dry yeast: Just a small amount creates a slow, flavorful fermentation. You can substitute instant yeast if needed.
• Warm water: The temperature should be around 100-110°F (38-43°C) to activate the yeast properly.

Instructions

Mix the Dough (Evening, Day 1)

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt
2. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 2 tablespoons of the warm water with a pinch of flour
3. Once the yeast mixture becomes foamy (about 5 minutes), add it to the flour along with the remaining water
4. Mix with a wooden spoon until no dry flour remains. The dough will be shaggy and sticky – this is perfect!
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel

First Rise (Overnight)

1. Let the dough rest at room temperature (about 70°F/21°C) for 12-18 hours
2. The dough is ready when its surface is dotted with bubbles and it has more than doubled in size

Shape the Loaf (Next Morning)

1. Generously flour a work surface
2. Gently scrape the dough onto the floured surface – it will be very soft
3. Using floured hands, fold the dough onto itself 2-3 times to form a ball
4. Place the dough seam-side down on a piece of parchment paper
5. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for 2 hours

Preheat and Bake

1. 30 minutes before baking, place your Dutch oven with its lid in the oven
2. Preheat to 450°F (230°C)
3. When ready to bake, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven
4. Lift the dough using the parchment paper and lower it into the Dutch oven
5. Score the top with a sharp knife to allow for expansion
6. Cover and bake for 30 minutes
7. Remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown
8. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing

1. Mix the Dough
   Combine ingredients into a shaggy dough and cover.

2. First Rise
   Let rise overnight until bubbly and doubled.

3. Shape the Loaf
   Shape dough into a ball, place on parchment, and rest.

4. Bake
   Bake in a preheated Dutch oven until golden brown.

Equipment For Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

• 5-6 quart Dutch oven (enameled or plain cast iron both work great)
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife or bread lame for scoring
• Wire cooling rack

Pro Tips for Perfect Dutch Oven Bread

• Temperature matters: Keep your dough at around 70°F (21°C) during the long rise. Too cold slows fermentation; too warm might make it overproof.
• Don't skip the preheat: A screaming hot Dutch oven is crucial for achieving that perfect crust.
• Use parchment: It makes transferring the dough easy and prevents sticking.
• Let it cool: Resist the urge to cut into the hot bread – waiting allows the crumb to set properly.

Recipe Variations

Whole Wheat Version

Replace up to 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Add 2 tablespoons of honey for better flavor and texture.

Cheese and Herb

Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar and 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary before the second rise.

Honey Oat

Replace ½ cup of flour with old-fashioned oats and add 3 tablespoons of honey to the water mixture.

Storage

• Store completely cooled bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days
• For longer storage, slice and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months
• Refresh day-old bread by spritzing with water and warming in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes

FAQ

Delicious,and Easy: Your Go-To Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

Now you’re all set to bake your own beautiful loaf with this Dutch Oven Bread Recipe! Remember, bread making is a blend of science and art—so once you’ve mastered the basics, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. The more you bake, the more you’ll get a feel for how the dough should look and feel at every stage.

We’d love to hear about your baking success! Share your experience in the comments below, and be sure to save this Dutch Oven Bread Recipe for your next delicious homemade loaf. Happy baking!😊 🍞

If you loved this Dutch Oven Bread Recipe, why not try some of our other delicious homemade treats? For a sweet and nutty delight, check out our Easy Butter Pecan Cake Recipe, perfect for any occasion. Craving a crunchy, spiced cookie? Our Homemade Biscoff Cookies Recipe is a must-try. If you're in the mood for a classic breakfast favorite, bake up a batch of our Classic Homemade Bagels Recipe—chewy, golden, and perfect with your favorite toppings. And for a quick, no-fuss dessert, don’t miss our No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Recipe, a creamy and refreshing treat that's effortless to make. Happy baking! 😊🍞🎂🍪

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Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

This Easy No Knead Dutch Oven Bread requires just four simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time. It delivers a golden, crispy crust with a soft, airy interior—perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Resting Time 16 hours hrs

Total Time 16 hours hrs 55 minutes mins

Course baking, Breakfast

Cuisine American, dutch

Servings 8 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• 5-6 quart Dutch oven Enameled or plain cast iron
• Large mixing bowl For mixing dough
• Parchment paper Prevents sticking
• Sharp knife or bread lame For scoring the dough
• Wire cooling rack For cooling the bread

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 3 cups all-purpose flour Unbleached for better texture
• 1¼ teaspoons salt Strengthens gluten
• ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast Can substitute instant yeast
• 1½ cups warm water 100-110°F (38-43°C)

Instructions

 

• Combine flour and salt in a large bowl
• Dissolve yeast in 2 tablespoons warm water with pinch of flour
• Mix yeast mixture with flour and remaining water until shaggy dough forms
• Cover and let rise for 12-18 hours until doubled and bubbly
• Scrape dough onto floured surface and shape into a ball
• Place dough on parchment paper and let rise for 2 hours
• Preheat Dutch oven at 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes
• Place dough in Dutch oven using parchment paper
• Score the dough, cover, and bake for 30 minutes
• Remove lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden
• Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing

Notes

• Room temperature should be around 70°F (21°C) for optimal rise
• Dough will be sticky – this is normal
• Dutch oven must be preheated
• Cool completely (1 hour minimum) before cutting

Nutrition

Serving: 50gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 290mgPotassium: 40mgFiber: 1gCalcium: 5mgIron: 1.5mg

Keyword Artisan Dutch oven bread, Best Dutch oven bread recipes, Dutch oven recipes

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