This straightforward Dutch oven bread features a crunchy crust and a fluffy, tangy interior, requiring only about 30 minutes of active preparation. Here’s my detailed process along with a video!
Are you in search of a simple artisan bread recipe that delivers that ideal crusty texture? Allow me to introduce my Dutch oven bread recipe!
It boasts an attractive crust and a classic artisan appearance, yet it only demands about 30 minutes of hands-on time. Baked in a Dutch oven, it achieves that crispy, crunchy outside. With a subtle tang from some Greek yogurt, it provides the perfect consistency for sandwiches.
5 Star Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This bread is absolutely delicious. I particularly enjoy making it for friends in need of a meal, as thank you gifts, or even to accompany a housewarming present.” -Liz
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I tried this recipe today and it was phenomenal. The crust was crunchy, and the crumb was spot on. It looked like a loaf made by a professional baker. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.” -Karen
Why You’ll Adore This Dutch Oven Bread
– It’s simple. I like to refer to this recipe as “cheater’s sourdough” because it requires much less effort than traditional sourdough yet is just as tasty.
– It has the flavor of bakery bread. A mixture of three flours and Greek yogurt gives this homemade bread amazing depth of flavor: and it doesn’t need a starter!
– You’ve got a video to guide you. Alex and I are so passionate about the advantages of baking bread at home that we’ve prepared a video tutorial as well.
Video Tutorial
Making this Dutch oven bread is quite simple: the only challenging part is forming the dough into a lovely loaf shape. Since it’s hard to explain in text, we created a video tutorial to guide you through it! Here I am in our kitchen demonstrating how to make it!
Ingredients You’ll Require
For the optimal Dutch oven bread, you’ll need several specific ingredients. To guarantee excellent results every time, it’s vital to adhere to the recipe as it’s written. For this Dutch oven bread recipe, you’ll need:
– All-purpose flour and bread flour: An equal combination gives the ideal chewy, tender texture. The bread flour has a higher protein content, contributing to a more delicate crumb.
– Whole wheat flour: Just a small amount imparts a nutty flavor.
– Kosher salt: This enhances the bread’s flavor.
– Instant or active dry yeast: Both types are suitable for this recipe.
– Water: Use purified water, at room temperature.
– Greek yogurt: I’ve included yogurt for a tangy taste. I’ve successfully baked bread in a Dutch oven using plain coconut yogurt as well, making it possible to create this bread vegan if needed.
The Best Dutch Oven for Bread
What size Dutch oven is necessary for bread? A 5 to 6-quart pot is perfect for loaf: large enough for the dough to rise, yet compact enough to retain steam. A 7-quart pot is also acceptable if that’s what you have.
How to Create Dutch Oven Bread, Step by Step
Alex serves as the bread baking expert in our home; he devised this uncomplicated method for those (like me!) who might not be prepared for the demands of sourdough. Again, I refer to it as “cheater’s sourdough” because it requires much less effort than traditional sourdough yet tastes just as amazing.
It requires very little hands-on engagement: most of the recipe’s time is spent waiting for the bread to rise and bake. You will need a stand mixer and a Dutch oven for this recipe. Here are the core steps for preparing bread in a Dutch oven.
– Combine the dough (10 minutes). Our recipe employs three flour varieties to achieve that ideal artisan bread flavor and texture, using Greek yogurt for a slight tang. A stand mixer will be utilized to knead the dough as it’s too sticky for hand kneading.
– Let the dough rise (about 1.5 hours). Permit the dough to double in size in a warm area. We generally utilize our oven’s proofing setting and cover the bread with a reusable plastic bag.
– Shape the dough (5 minutes). Form the dough into a loaf. It’s easiest to view the video above for guidance on this step!
– Allow the dough to rise again (30 minutes). Let the dough rest once more, this time at room temperature. Begin preheating the oven with the Dutch oven inside.
– Bake the dough (40 minutes). Transfer your bread directly into the Dutch oven, and bake for 17 minutes. After that, remove it, lower the oven temperature, and bake for an additional 23 minutes.
That’s all! You’ll discover this bread is INCREDIBLE, featuring the perfect crispy crust and soft core. It has become a true favorite in our household. And we cherish