This easy Dutch oven bread recipe allows you to make bakery-quality bread at home.
With just five minutes of prep and no messy kneading, you’ll have a golden artisan loaf in no time! Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this recipe delivers a soft, airy interior and a perfectly crisp crust.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Dutch Oven Bread Recipe
Homemade bread doesn’t have to be hard! This no-knead bread recipe is:
- Quick: Just 5 minutes of prep and 2 hours of rise time.
- Beginner-Friendly: No kneading required, and you won’t even need to touch the sticky dough!
- Versatile: Bake it fresh or let the dough develop in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Whether it’s your first time baking bread or you’re looking for a foolproof recipe, this Dutch oven bread has you covered.
Ingredients for Easy Dutch Oven Bread
This recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have:
3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups warm water (around 100°F)
2 ¼ teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
½ tablespoon table salt (or 2 teaspoons kosher salt)
Dutch Oven Bread: Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Warm the Water: Heat 1 ½ cups of water to approximately 100°F. Avoid exceeding 110°F to protect the yeast.
Combine Yeast and Salt: In a large bowl, whisk the warm water with yeast and salt until dissolved.
Add Flour: Stir in 3 ¼ cups of flour using a wooden spoon or dough attachment on your mixer. The dough will be sticky and loose—this is normal!
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or alternatively use the parchment paper lined dutch oven and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 2-3 hours.
It should double in size.
Pro Tip: If your kitchen is cool, create warmth by briefly turning on your oven, then turning it off, and placing the bowl inside.
Step 3: Preheat the Dutch Oven
About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F with the Dutch oven and lid inside.
Allow it to heat for at least 20 minutes.
Step 4: Shape the Loaf
Sprinkle parchment paper with flour. Use a spatula to gently transfer the dough onto the floured surface.
Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf using the spatula. Avoid over-handling to maintain airiness.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven (using oven mitts!). Place the parchment paper and dough inside, cover with the lid, and bake for 35 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to achieve a golden crust.
Tips for Perfect Dutch Oven Bread
These tips will help you make the perfect Dutch oven bread and avoid common mistakes when making homemade bread.
Create the Ideal Baking Environment
The lid of a Dutch oven traps steam, ensuring a moist interior and a crusty exterior. For the perfect golden crust, remove the lid during the final minutes of baking.
No Dutch Oven? Try This!
Don’t have a Dutch oven? Preheat a cast-iron skillet or baking sheet as an alternative. To mimic the steam effect, place a pan of hot water on the oven’s lower rack during baking.
Dough Storage for Busy Bakers
Refrigerate your dough for up to 7 days to keep the process flexible.
Bonus: the longer it sits, the more tangy and sourdough-like the flavor becomes.
Ingredient Flexibility
While all-purpose flour is excellent for a soft crumb, bread flour can be used for a slightly chewier texture if preferred.
Storing Your Artisan Loaf
Let the bread cool completely before storing. A paper bag works best for maintaining the crusty texture for up to 3 days. Need longer storage? Freeze the loaf for future enjoyment.
With these simple tips, you’ll master the art of homemade Dutch oven bread, achieving bakery-quality results right in your kitchen!
What Is No-Knead Bread?
No-knead bread is exactly what it sounds like—a bread recipe that eliminates the need for kneading. The secret lies in its sticky, wet dough, which rises without the extra effort.
This method requires just one rise, saving time compared to traditional recipes. While it may not create as many large holes as kneaded dough, the texture is still beautifully soft and airy. Plus, the use of a Dutch oven ensures a crusty, golden exterior.
More Easy Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Bruschetta Recipe
- Easy Roasted Tomato Soup
- Easy Soft Pretzels
- Easy Roast Beef Sliders
- Easy Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
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Easy Dutch Oven Bread
This easy Dutch oven bread recipe requires no kneading to make a crusty bread with only 5 minutes of prep work. Homemade bread made easy!
Ingredients
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (around 100°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
- ½ tablespoon table salt (or 2 teaspoons kosher salt)
Instructions
Heat 1 ½ cups of water to approximately 100°F. Avoid exceeding 110°F to protect the yeast.
In a large bowl, whisk the warm water with yeast and salt until dissolved.
Stir in 3 ¼ cups of flour using a wooden spoon.
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or alternatively use the parchment paper lined dutch oven and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 2-3 hours. It should double in size.
Pro Tip: If your kitchen is cool, create warmth by briefly turning on your oven, then turning it off, and placing the bowl inside.
About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F with the Dutch oven and lid inside.
Allow it to heat for at least 20 minutes.
Sprinkle parchment paper with flour. Use a spatula to gently transfer the dough onto the floured surface.
Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf using the spatula. Avoid over-handling to maintain airiness.
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven (using oven mitts!). Place the parchment paper and dough inside, cover with the lid, and bake for 35 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to achieve a golden crust.
Notes
If you don't have a Dutch oven, use a preheated cast-iron skillet or baking sheet instead. To mimic the Dutch oven's humidity, place a pan of hot water on the oven's lower rack while baking.
Refrigerate the dough for up to 7 days. Over time, it will develop a tangy, sourdough-like flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 186Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 400mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 2gSugar: 0gProtein: 5g
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