Crispy No-Knead Artisan Dutch Oven Bread: Easy Homemade Bakery-Style Loaf
This easy no-knead artisan bread delivers a shatteringly crisp crust and a chewy, airy crumb, all baked in a Dutch oven for bakery-style results at home. With simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, it’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 13-19 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: American, European
Ingredients
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (about 100°F/38°C)
- 1/2 tsp (2g) active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
- 1 1/2 tsp (9g) fine sea salt
- Cornmeal or extra flour, for dusting
- Olive oil or nonstick spray (optional, for bowl)
- Optional add-ins: poppy, sesame, or flax seeds; chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil); minced garlic or shallot; up to 1 cup whole wheat flour (swap for all-purpose)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt.
- Pour in warm water and stir until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. Add optional add-ins if desired.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours, until doubled and bubbly.
- Lightly flour your countertop. Turn out the dough and gently shape into a round ball, tucking edges under.
- Place dough on parchment paper and cover loosely with a towel. Let rise for 1-2 hours, until slightly puffed.
- About 30 minutes before baking, place Dutch oven (with lid) into oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C).
- Carefully remove hot Dutch oven and take off lid. Lift dough (with parchment) and set inside. Slash top with a sharp knife if desired.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake another 10-15 minutes, until deep golden and crackling.
- Lift bread from pot and cool on a rack for at least 1 hour.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, measure flour by weight. If dough is too sticky, dust hands with flour or use a wet spatula. For a softer crust, wrap bread in a towel as it cools. Mix dough before bed for fresh morning baking. Variations include gluten-free flour, seeds, herbs, or whole wheat swap. Let bread cool fully before slicing to avoid a gummy crumb.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loa
- Calories: 120
- Sodium: 230
- Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: no-knead bread, artisan bread, Dutch oven bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, bakery-style loaf, vegan bread, dairy-free bread, rustic bread