Crusty Bread (Printable)
Create artisan-style bread with a crispy golden crust and chewy interior using this simple overnight method.
# What you'll need:
→ Dough
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
04 - 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
# Directions:
01 - Combine flour, salt, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir until thoroughly blended.
02 - Pour lukewarm water into the flour mixture. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
03 - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let rest at room temperature (70°F) for 12-18 hours until dough is bubbly and doubled in size.
04 - Lightly flour a work surface. Turn out the dough and gently shape into a round ball without deflating.
05 - Place dough on parchment paper. Cover loosely with a towel and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
06 - Position a Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot in the oven. Preheat to 450°F for at least 30 minutes.
07 - Carefully remove the hot pot from oven. Lift dough with parchment paper and lower into the pot. Cover with lid.
08 - Bake covered for 30 minutes to create steam and develop crust.
09 - Remove lid and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until crust achieves deep golden brown color.
10 - Remove bread from pot and transfer to a wire rack. Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure proper texture.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The dough practically makes itself while you sleep, waking up bubbly and ready to become something extraordinary
- That first crackle when you slice into it never gets old, and the inside stays perfectly soft for days
02 -
- The dough should look sticky and shaggy after mixing, resist the urge to keep adding flour or your bread will be dense
- A screaming hot Dutch oven is nonnegotiable for that professional looking crust
03 -
- The water test is perfect when it feels neither hot nor cold to the touch, like a pleasant baby bottle temperature
- If your bread browns too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking