Crusty Bread

A simple and satisfying recipe for creating delicious crusty bread with a warm, chewy inside and a crisp, golden crust.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Total Time 55

Course bread, Side

Cuisine French, Italian

Servings 8 slices

Calories 120 kcal

1.5 cups warm water (about 100 degrees F)
1 packet yeast (active dry, instant, or quick rise—2.25 teaspoons) Make sure the yeast is fresh for best results.
1.5 teaspoons fine grain salt
3.25 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour All-purpose flour works well for this recipe.
Flour for dusting For shaping the dough.
Parchment paper For transferring the dough to the Dutch oven.

Combine the warm water with the yeast and salt in a large bowl. Stir gently until the yeast dissolves fully.
Gradually add the flour to the bowl, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough begins to form.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm spot for 2-3 hours, until it doubles in size.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a Dutch oven inside.
Once risen, gently shape the dough into a ball on a floured surface and place it on a piece of parchment paper.
Carefully lift and transfer the dough into the preheated Dutch oven using the parchment paper.
Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and bake for 35 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
Remove the bread and let it cool on a wire rack.

Store cooled bread wrapped in parchment or a kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze.

Keyword Baking, Bread Recipe, Crusty Bread, homemade bread, yeast bread