Easy Artisan Bread Recipe

By Preppy Kitchen · 180 min

Ingredients

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast and salt with a wooden spoon. Stir in the water until the dough is very sticky with no dry lumps.
2. Cover and leave in a warm, draft-free spot until doubled, about 1½ to 2 hours. For an overnight rise, refrigerate instead until doubled, about 8 hours (up to 24 hours total).
3. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Put a large lidded Dutch oven in the oven for at least 30 minutes.
4. Take the dough out of the fridge if using it and rest it at room temperature for 15 minutes.
5. With lightly floured hands, fold the dough over itself around the bowl, turning the bowl 90 degrees each time, about 8 to 10 times, until it holds its shape. Pinch the seams together at the centre.
6. Turn the dough out seam side down on a lightly floured surface and shape into a round. Place it on parchment and dust with flour. Cover loosely and rest for 10 minutes.
7. Cut a slit about ¼ inch deep across the top. Carefully lower the dough on its parchment into the hot Dutch oven and cover with the lid.
8. Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake about 15 to 17 more minutes, until deep golden brown.
9. Lift the bread out with the parchment and cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Summarized from Preppy Kitchen's video. Watch it for the details.