Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110 degrees F)
Instructions
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, coarse sea salt, and active dry yeast. Pour in the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until the ingredients are well combined into a sticky dough.
- First rise: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours, or alternatively refrigerate it for up to 15 hours to develop flavor.
- Shape the dough: After rising, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it gently into a round ball. Sprinkle a small amount of flour on top and place it on a piece of parchment paper. Cover the dough with a dry kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes for a second rise. Optionally, score the top of the dough with a bread lame before baking.
- Preheat Dutch oven: While the dough is resting, place an empty Dutch oven or cast iron pot with its lid into the oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C). This ensures the pot is hot and ready for baking the bread.
- Bake with lid: Carefully lift the parchment paper with the dough and transfer it into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. This traps steam, creating a crispy crust.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the lid and bake the bread uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool the bread: Remove from the oven and transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Store properly: Once cooled, keep the bread in an open paper bag at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain crust texture.
Notes
- The rising time can be extended in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor through slow fermentation.
- Using a Dutch oven or cast iron pot is key to getting a crispy and well-baked crust.
- Warm water should be around 110°F for proper yeast activation.
- Scoring the bread is optional but can improve aesthetics and control bubble formation during baking.
- Store bread in a paper bag to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crustiness.
- For gluten-free adaptations, substitute gluten-free flour blends though results may vary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American