Golden, crusty, and beautifully soft inside, this rustic artisan bread delivers bakery-style results with surprisingly simple ingredients. Baking it in a preheated Simmer Down Cookware Dutch oven creates the perfect steamy environment for an incredible rise and crisp, crackling crust.
Ingredients
Artisan Bread
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
For Dusting
- Flour or cornmeal
Instructions
Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast.
Pour in the warm water and stir until a shaggy sticky dough forms.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a towel.
Let the Dough Rise
Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours, until doubled in size and bubbly.
Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a generously floured surface.
Using floured hands, gently shape the dough into a round loaf.
Place the dough seam-side down onto parchment paper or into a floured bowl.
Cover loosely and allow to rest for 30–45 minutes.
Preheat the Dutch Oven
Place a Simmer Down Cookware Dutch oven with the lid on into the oven.
Preheat oven to 450°F for at least 30 minutes.
Bake the Bread
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven.
Transfer the dough into the Dutch oven using the parchment paper.
Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid and continue baking for 10–15 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown.
Cool and Serve
Carefully remove the bread and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm with butter, soups, stews, pasta dishes, or olive oil.
Enjoy!