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Easy Dutch Oven Bread Recipe

Yes, you can substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. Bread flour may result in a slightly chewier texture.
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 packet (about 2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and instant yeast.
  2. Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it sit at room temperature for about 3 hours, allowing the dough to rise and develop flavor.
  4. After 3 hours, transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a ball.
  5. Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise for an additional 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven with its lid inside to preheat as well.
  7. Once the dough has doubled in size, carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven from the oven.
  8. Using the parchment paper, transfer the dough into the Dutch oven. Optionally, score the dough with a sharp knife to create decorative patterns on the crust.
  9. Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
  10. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  11. Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.