Learn how to make delicious homemade crusty bread with this simple recipe. This bread has a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with butter.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) lukewarm water
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast.
- Gradually add the lukewarm water to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Once the dough comes together, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours. During this time, the dough will rise and develop flavor.
- After the resting period, the dough will be wet and sticky. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven or a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid into the oven to preheat as well.
- While the oven and pot are preheating, lightly flour a work surface and your hands. Carefully remove the dough from the bowl onto the floured surface, shaping it into a round loaf by gently folding the edges towards the center.
- Once the oven and pot are preheated, carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Place the dough into the hot pot, seam side down. Be careful as the pot will be very hot.
- Cover the pot with the lid and return it to the oven. Bake covered for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the lid from the pot and continue baking the bread uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Once baked, carefully remove the bread from the pot and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade crusty bread warm with butter, olive oil, or your favorite toppings!
