Why Make This Recipe

No Knead Dutch Oven Bread is a fantastic recipe for anyone who loves fresh, homemade bread. This recipe is easy, requires minimal effort, and doesn’t require kneading, making it perfect for beginners. The Dutch oven gives the bread a crispy crust while keeping the inside soft and airy. Plus, the smell of baking bread fills your home with warmth and comfort!

How to Make No Knead Dutch Oven Bread

Ingredients:

1½ cup warm water
3¼ cup all-purpose flour
1½ tsp fine grain salt
1 packet yeast

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine 1.5 cups of warm water, one packet (2.25 tsp) of yeast, and ½ tablespoon of salt. Stir until everything is dissolved.
Add 3.25 cups of flour into the mixture and mix until you have a sticky dough. If the dough is too wet or dry, adjust by adding more flour or water.
Cover the bowl with a cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place the Dutch oven with the lid inside the oven to heat up for 20 minutes.
Once the dough has risen, scrape it onto floured parchment paper. Shape the dough into a loaf by folding the edges inward.
Flip the dough so that the floured side faces up. Center it on the parchment paper. You can optionally score the top of the loaf with shallow cuts for decoration.
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven and take off the lid.
Transfer the dough, along with the parchment paper, into the Dutch oven.
Cover it with the lid and bake for 35 minutes. If your dough is cold, you may need to bake for 40 minutes.
After 35 minutes, remove the lid and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Now your delicious bread is ready to serve!

How to Serve No Knead Dutch Oven Bread

No Knead Dutch Oven Bread is wonderful served warm right out of the oven. You can enjoy it with a little butter, dip it in olive oil, or use it for sandwiches. It also pairs well with soups and stews. The possibilities are endless!

How to Store No Knead Dutch Oven Bread

To store leftover bread, let it cool completely and then wrap it in a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. You can keep it at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can slice the bread and place it in a resealable plastic bag in the freezer. It will last for up to 3 months. Just thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Tips to Make No Knead Dutch Oven Bread

Make sure your water is warm, but not hot. Around 100°F is perfect.
Use a kitchen scale for measuring flour if you want to be more precise.
Don’t rush the rising time. A longer rise will improve the flavor and texture of the bread.
Experiment with different types of flour like whole wheat or bread flour for varied flavors and textures.

Variation

You can add herbs, cheese, or even nuts to the dough for different tastes. Rosemary, garlic, or cheese can elevate the flavor of the bread. Just be sure to adjust the amount of flour slightly if you’re adding dry ingredients.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of regular yeast?
Yes, you can! Instant yeast can be used in the same amount, and it doesn’t need to be dissolved in water first.

2. What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be because the yeast is old or the water was too hot or too cold. Always use fresh yeast and check the temperature of the water.

3. Can I bake this bread without a Dutch oven?
You can, but the Dutch oven helps retain moisture, which gives the bread its beautiful crust and texture. If you don’t have one, try baking on a baking stone or a heavy baking sheet, and add a pan of water in the oven to create steam.