Easy Dutch Oven Bread

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Stir together until well mixed. Add the water and stir until a sticky dough forms and there are no dry patches. Cover with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and place in a warm place to rise for 12-18 hours.

Step 2

Turn the risen bread dough out onto a floured surface and dust with more flour. Cover with cling wrap and then a dish towel and allow to rise for another two hours.

Step 3

Thirty minutes before the bread is finished rising, preheat your oven to 475 and place the cast-iron Dutch oven, lid and all, into the oven to preheat for thirty minutes.

Step 4

Remove the Dutch oven and carefully set it on a heat-resistant surface. Set the lid aside on another heat-resistant surface. Using both hands, pick up the bread dough and shape it into a ball before dropping it into the pot.

Step 5

Place the lid back on the pot and return it to the 475-degree oven for 30 minutes.

Step 6

After thirty minutes, remove the lid and continue baking bread for another 15 minutes.

Step 7

Allow to cool completely.