Name: Crusty Dutch Oven Bread
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 190 min
Ingredients: 4 cups bread flour; 1.5 cups water; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon active dry yeast; cooking spray

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

4 cups bread flour
1 cups water
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
Cooking spray

Directions

Step 1: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, combine bread flour and water. Add the salt, followed by sprinkling the yeast evenly over the top. Let the yeast dissolve and become creamy, which will take about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Using the paddle attachment, mix the dough on medium speed until it begins to come together. Replace the paddle with the dough hook and continue kneading for about 10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. Check by pressing your finger into the dough if it resists but doesn't spring back, it's ready. If it does spring back, allow it to rise for a bit longer.

Step 4: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and punch it down to remove excess gas and redistribute the yeast. Cover the dough with a clean dish towel and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 5: Shape the dough into a boule by rolling it back and forth in a circular motion on the counter until it forms a smooth, round ball. Cover it again with the dish towel and allow it to rise for about 1 hour.

Step 6: Preheat the oven to 450F (230C). Grease a Dutch oven with cooking spray. Using a sharp knife, slice a shallow "X" into the top of the dough to help it expand while baking.

Step 7: Place the dough into the prepared Dutch oven and cover it with the lid. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.

Step 8: After 10 minutes, reduce the temperature to 375F (190C) and continue to bake the bread, covered, for another 20 minutes. Then, remove the lid and continue baking until the loaf is a deep golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 166
Total Fat: 1g (1% DV)
Saturated Fat: 0g (1% DV)
Cholesterol: 0mg (0% DV)
Sodium: 355mg (15% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 33g (12% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
Total Sugars: 0g
Protein: 6g (11% DV)
Calcium: 8mg (1% DV)
Iron: 0mg (2% DV)
Potassium: 49mg (1% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is based on available data and may not account for all ingredients.

Comments

George Sanchez

10/10/2025 05:25:01 PM

Even with a few mistakes on my part, the outcome was still fantastic. Here are a couple of helpful tips: 1. Preheat your Dutch oven by greasing it, placing it in a cold oven, and letting it heat up along with the oven. This method is safer and reduces the risk of cracking your pan while also improving the crust. 2. During the second proof on the bench, ensure your loaf is on a piece of parchment paper cut to fit the Dutch oven without interfering with the lid seal. This step makes it much easier and safer to transfer the loaf into the hot pan. I skipped this step, and my loaf ended up upside down, although it still turned out well. Overall, it's a delicious and forgiving recipe. Additionally, you don't need to invest in a Le Creuset or Emile Henry Dutch oven; I used an inexpensive one from Amazon and achieved excellent results.

Christine Anderson

10/11/2025 03:12:25 AM

Great recipe to make while multitasking at home! I took suggestions from other reviews: I cooked it in a 4-quart enameled Dutch Oven, used parchment paper instead of oil, and preheated the Dutch oven before baking, letting it "heat soak" for 15 minutes after reaching the temperature. The result was a gorgeous and tasty loaf - super happy with the outcome!

Ruth Robinson

10/10/2025 04:32:20 PM

A dense bread with an incredibly crunchy crust. My only tip is to warm the water (20 seconds in the microwave until warm to the touch), add the yeast, and a little flour to activate the yeast. After waiting 5 minutes, mix it into the flour. This bread paired perfectly with a beef stew for dipping. I've made it twice now. Don't forget to preheat the Dutch oven in the oven, then line it with parchment paper. I missed mentioning this step in my previous reviews, but thanks to those who pointed it out. For a change, I substituted one cup of wheat flour and next time, I plan to try with 1/2 cup of rye flour.

Julie Brown

10/13/2025 03:51:34 AM

I absolutely adore this bread! I use my bread maker to start the dough, then I let it rise in the Dutch oven before baking. The result is a perfectly crusty exterior with a soft and fluffy interior. It always turns out beautifully!

Janet Williams

10/09/2025 05:43:30 PM

I added 1 tablespoon of white sugar to the yeast mixture. Baked at 450°F for 20 minutes, then lowered the temperature to 375°F for an additional 5 minutes with the lid on, followed by another 5 minutes with the lid off. The result was perfect! Thank you, Paul.

Pamela Martin

10/12/2025 04:10:24 AM

This bread was tasty, but it lacked the light airy texture I was aiming for. Despite letting it rise longer than instructed, it still didn't quite reach the desired fluffiness. The preheated Dutch oven did help create a wonderfully crunchy crust though! Next time, I'll experiment with increasing the amount of yeast for a better result. I'd definitely give it another shot with a few adjustments.

James King

10/12/2025 07:51:15 AM

I tried out this recipe for a loaf of bread and it turned out to be the best one I've ever made! I made a couple of modifications – added 1 teaspoon of raw honey and a little extra 1/4 teaspoon of yeast. The bread turned out great. Thank you!

Linda Smith

10/11/2025 03:49:39 AM

No changes made, just added some melted butter on top for a nice glossy finish. 🤍🌸

Larry Edwards

10/11/2025 07:48:49 PM

I made this last night and it's already gone. Such a great recipe!

Lisa Mitchell

10/12/2025 06:24:37 AM

I added a little extra water and it turned out delicious! 😊 Instead of a Dutch oven, I used a Chinese clay pot, and the result was fantastic. Definitely deserving of 5 stars! 🌟