Simple Crusty Bread
Discover the joy of homemade baking with this Simple Crusty Bread recipe—a foolproof method for creating bakery-quality bread in your own kitchen. Made with just four pantry staples—flour, salt, instant yeast, and warm water—this no-knead bread develops its signature airy crumb and golden, crackling crust by resting overnight and baking in a preheated Dutch oven. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor and texture, making it an ideal addition to any meal. Serve this rustic loaf with butter, jam, or alongside hearty soups and stews for a comforting, homemade touch. Whether you're crafting sandwiches or savoring it fresh from the oven, this crusty bread is sure to become a household favorite!
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Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1.5 cups warm water
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Step 2
Gradually pour the warm water into the dry mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be wet and sticky, which is normal.
Step 3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours, or overnight, until it has doubled in size and is bubbly on the surface.
Step 4
After the dough has risen, lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface and gently shape it into a ball by folding the edges into the center. Avoid over-handling the dough.
Step 5
Place the dough on a sheet of parchment paper. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour while preheating the oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a large Dutch oven with its lid into the oven as it preheats.
Step 6
Once the oven and Dutch oven are preheated, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven. Use the parchment paper to transfer the dough into the pot. Cover with the lid and return the pot to the oven.
Step 7
Bake the bread, covered, for 30 minutes. Then remove the lid and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Step 8
Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the interior to finish setting.
Step 9
Slice and enjoy your homemade crusty bread with butter, jam, or your favorite spread!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (729.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1312.7 |
| Total Fat 3.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0.5g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3546.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 275.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 10.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 0.8g | |
| Protein 37.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 49.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 16.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 394.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories