In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make a Homemade Crusty Dutch Oven Bread recipe. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe will yield a perfectly golden, crispy, and soft bread that will have your family and friends begging for more. Let’s dive right in and satisfy your bread cravings! If you’re interested in more plant-based baking recipes, feel free to explore my complete Vegan Baking Recipes Collection here.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (roughly between 105° and 115°F)
- 1 pack of instant yeast
- Pinch of sugar
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tbsp salt
If you find yourself short on ingredients, here are some helpful substitutions:
- Instant yeast can be swapped with active dry yeast; just activate it in warm water before using.
- All-purpose flour can be replaced with bread flour for a chewier texture.
Helpful Tools
To make this Dutch oven bread recipe a breeze, you’ll need the following tools:
- Dutch oven with lid (oven-safe)
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Kitchen towel
- Oven mitts
Now that we’ve got everything ready, let’s jump into the steps of making this delightful bread.
How to Make This Homemade Dutch Oven Bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a large measuring cup, combine 1 ½ cups warm water, 1 pack of quick-rise instant yeast, and a pinch of sugar.
- Stir the ingredients together and set aside for 5-10 minutes. A creamy foam should appear on the surface, indicating the yeast is active.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ tbsp of salt.
- Create a well in the center of the dry mixture.
Step 3: Combine and Mix
- Give the yeast mixture a quick stir, then add it into the well of the dry mixture.
- Mix the ingredients together either using clean hands or a spatula. The dough should be a bit wet, messy, and sticky. If the dough is too dry, add water 1 tbsp at a time. If the dough is too wet, add flour 1 tbsp at a time.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
- Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and allow it to rise for 2-3 hours in a warm area. The dough should double in size.
Step 5: Preheat the Dutch Oven
- 30 minutes before you are ready to bake the bread, preheat the Dutch oven by placing it in the oven for 30 minutes at 450 degrees.
Step 6: Shape and Score the Dough
- Gently knead the dough for 1 minute to shape it into a ball.
- Place the dough ball on a sheet of parchment paper, dust the top with a sprinkle of flour, and cut 2 slits down the top of the dough ball for design. (These should be about 1/2 inch deep)
Step 7: Bake the Bread
- Place the parchment paper and dough into the preheated Dutch oven. (Be careful; it’s VERY hot at this point. Don’t forget your oven mitts!)
- Bake in the oven for 35 minutes with the lid on.
- Remove the lid, and bake again for 5-10 minutes to crisp the top. (Check at 5 minutes; it should be crispy and lightly browned)
- Let it sit on a cooling rack for at least 10 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- For a rustic touch, sprinkle some extra flour on top of the dough before baking.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your bread.
FAQ: Crusty Dutch Oven Bread
Yes, you can. Activate it in warm water before adding it to the dry ingredients.
Wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for a few days or freeze it for longer storage.
Absolutely! Add your favorite nuts or seeds to enhance the flavor and texture.
Ensure that your yeast is fresh, and the water is at the right temperature. Also, be patient; sometimes, it takes a little longer to rise.
While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can experiment with bread flour for a different texture.
Crusty Dutch Oven Bread
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water (roughly between 105° and 115°F)
- 1 pack instant yeast
- pinch of sugar
Bread
- 3 ¼ cups all purpose flour
- ½ tbsp salt
Instructions
- In a large measuring cup, combine 1 ½ cups warm water, 1 pack of quick rise instant yeast and a pinch of sugar. Stir the ingredients together and set aside for 5-10 minutes. A creamy foam should appear on the surface, indicating the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt together, then create a well.
- Give the yeast mixture a quick stir, then add it into the well of the dry mixture. Mix the ingredients together either using clean hands or a spatula. The dough should be a bit wet, messy and sticky. If the dough is too dry, add water 1 tbsp at a time. If the dough is too wet, add flour 1 tbsp at a time. See photos or video for reference.
- Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and allow to rise for 2-3 hours in a warm area. The dough should double in size.
- 30 minutes before you are ready to bake the bread, preheat the dutch oven by placing it in the oven for 30 mins at 450 degrees.
- Gently knead the dough for 1 min to shape into a ball. Place the dough ball on a sheet of parchment paper, dust the top with a sprinkle of flour, and cut 2 slits down the top of the dough ball for design. (These should be about 1/2 inch deep)
- Place the parchment paper and dough into the pre-heated dutch oven. (Careful, its VERY hot at this point. Don't forget your oven mitts!) Bake in the oven for 35 minutes with the lid on.
- Remove the lid, and bake again for 5-10 mins to crisp the top. (Check at 5 mins it should be crispy and lightly browned)
- Let sit on a cooling rack for at least 10 mins then serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Crusty Dutch Oven Bread Recipe
You’ve just mastered the art of making homemade crusty Dutch oven bread. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy bakery-quality bread right at home. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that Dutch oven, and get ready to savor the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread.
This was so easy to follow and my bread turned out perfect on my first try thanks to you!! Great recipe Xx
Thank so much Jenna so happy it turned out for you! Bread can be tricky sometimes!
I didn’t know how easy this was going to be thank you for the great instructions!
You’re very welcome! I’m thrilled to hear that the instructions were helpful and that you found the process easy.
This Dutch oven bread recipe was perfect 😍
I’m delighted to hear that the Dutch oven bread recipe worked out perfectly for you! 😍 If you have any other baking adventures or if there’s a specific type of bread or recipe you’d like to explore, feel free to share your thoughts. Happy baking, and thank you for your wonderful feedback! 😊
Great recipe and my bread actually turn out on my first attempt I’m so thrilled.
That’s fantastic news! I’m thrilled to hear that your bread turned out so well on your first attempt. It’s always rewarding when a recipe comes together smoothly. Thank you for trying out the recipe and taking the time to share your feedback! 😊