Who doesn’t love the smell of bread baking?
Even if you’ve never made homemade bread before, this homemade crusty bread is for you. It’s the perfect beginner recipe because it only requires 4 ingredients, there’s no kneading, and 95% of the work is hands-off. This recipe delivers delicious flavor, and a slightly crisp crust. Not to mention the loaf is as big as your head… Brian and I had some fun taking pictures of how big it turned out. LOL
You can also add herbs and seasonings such as garlic, rosemary, dill, chopped onion, jalapeño, shredded cheese, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, etc. Get CREATIVE!
So let’s get right to it!
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water 105 degrees F
INSTRUCTIONS
In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl and stir to combine.
Optional: If you are using herbs and seasonings add them to the bowl and combine with flour mixture
Add the water and mix until the dough forms a ball.
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel.
Let dough sit covered at room temperature for 18-24 hours.
After 18-24 hours (or at least 1 hour before you want to serve) preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Place a 5 quart dutch oven (or a baking dish) with a lid in the oven while it is preheating.
While the oven is preheating, transfer the dough from the bowl onto a floured surface.
Form the dough into a ball, adding a few tablespoons more flour if needed. The dough should still be slightly loose. Then cover it with a floured towel while the oven is preheating.
Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven. Remove the lid and spray the dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
Gently put the dough ball into the baking dish so it’s evenly distributed.
Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown.
Remove the loaf from the dutch oven and let it cool on a rack before slicing.
Whisk Away Kitchen 