Print

Easy No-Knead Dutch Oven Artisan Bread Recipe with Crispy Crust Tips

no-knead Dutch oven artisan bread - featured image

A simple, no-knead artisan bread recipe baked in a Dutch oven for a crispy crust and tender crumb, perfect for beginners and busy cooks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (around 100°F / 38°C)

Instructions

  1. Mix the Dough (5 minutes): In a large bowl, stir together flour, yeast, and salt. Slowly pour in warm water, mixing until combined into a shaggy, sticky dough.
  2. First Rise (12-18 hours): Cover the bowl loosely and leave at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until bubbly and doubled in size.
  3. Shape the Dough (10 minutes): Flour your work surface and hands, gently fold the dough into a rough ball, preserving air bubbles.
  4. Second Rise (1-2 hours): Place dough seam side down on parchment paper, cover, and let rise until puffed.
  5. Preheat Oven and Dutch Oven (30 minutes): Place Dutch oven with lid in oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C).
  6. Bake the Bread (45 minutes): Remove hot Dutch oven, place dough with parchment inside, cover and bake 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake 15 more minutes to crisp crust.
  7. Cool Before Slicing (At least 1 hour): Transfer bread to wire rack and cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Do not rush the first rise; it develops flavor and texture. Use parchment paper to transfer dough safely. Preheat Dutch oven to trap steam for crispy crust. Tent bread with foil if crust darkens too fast. Keep kitchen warm during rising. Optional: add herbs, seeds, or cheese for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-knead bread, Dutch oven bread, artisan bread, easy bread recipe, crispy crust bread, homemade bread