Easy Dutch Oven Bread Recipe: Crusty & Delicious

Ingredients

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1.5 cups water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• cooking spray

Instructions

1. Combine bread flour, water, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it dissolve for about 5 minutes until creamy.
2. Mix with the paddle attachment on medium speed until the dough comes together. Switch to the dough hook and continue mixing for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 30 to 45 minutes, or until doubled in size. Test the dough by gently pressing a finger into it; it should give some resistance and not spring back immediately. If it does, let it rise a bit longer.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and punch it down to release excess gas and redistribute the yeast. Cover it with a clean dish towel and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Shape the dough into a round ball (boule) by pushing it back and forth on the counter in a circular motion until smooth. Cover the shaped dough with a clean dish towel and let it rise for about 1 hour.
6. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Grease your Dutch oven generously with cooking spray.
7. Score a shallow "X" on top of the dough with a sharp knife. This will help it expand properly while baking. Place the loaf into the prepared Dutch oven and cover it with the lid.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and continue baking, covered, for 20 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the loaf is a deep golden color.

Nutrition

• Calories: 166 kcal
• Fat Content: 1 g
• Fiber Content: 1 g
• Sugar Content: 0 g
• Sodium Content: 355 mg
• Protein Content: 6 g
• Cholesterol Content: 0 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 33 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g