Easy Crispy No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread Recipe for Beginners Made Perfect
A beginner-friendly no-knead bread recipe that produces a crispy crust and soft, airy crumb using simple ingredients and a Dutch oven baking method.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 13 hours
- Yield: 8 servings (1/8 loaf per serving) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (75-80°F / 24-27°C)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast, and 1 1/4 teaspoons salt. Stir to evenly distribute everything (about 2 minutes).
- Pour in 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix until all flour is hydrated and a shaggy, sticky dough forms (about 3 minutes). Do not knead.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until it rises, bubbles, and doubles in size.
- About 30 minutes before baking, place your empty Dutch oven with the lid on inside your oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C).
- Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf by folding the edges under to create surface tension. Let it rest for 30 minutes, covered with a towel.
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Place a piece of parchment paper in the pot and transfer the dough onto it. Put the lid back on and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and crispy. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
Use warm water between 75-80°F to avoid killing the yeast. Preheat the Dutch oven to trap steam and create a crispy crust. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Do not rush the long fermentation (12-18 hours) for best flavor and texture. If dough is sticky, dust hands and surface with flour but avoid adding too much flour to dough. Tent bread with foil if browning too fast after removing lid.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the loaf
- Calories: 150
- Sodium: 300
- 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