This Dutch Oven Bread recipe is easy and delicious. You can bake fresh bread at home with simple steps. The crust is crispy and golden. The inside is soft and fluffy. Making bread in a Dutch oven gives perfect results.
You only need a few ingredients. This bread is great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Learning how to make Dutch Oven Bread is simple. The ingredients for Dutch Oven Bread are easy to find.
Baking at home is fun and satisfying. The smell of fresh bread is amazing. Everyone will love this homemade treat. This recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
My Experience With This Recipe
I love making Dutch Oven Bread. The smell of freshly baked bread is wonderful. The crust turns golden and crunchy. The inside is soft and tender. Baking in a Dutch oven makes the bread perfect every time.
I enjoy watching the dough rise. It is fun and relaxing. My family loves this bread with butter or jam. Sometimes I serve it with soup or salad.
It also makes great sandwiches. Making bread at home feels special. I feel proud when I cut a perfect loaf. This recipe is my favorite for homemade bread.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Dutch Oven Bread
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Course: Bread / Breakfast
- Cuisine: Homemade
- Calories: 180 kcal per slice
Equipment List
- Dutch oven with lid
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Kitchen towel
- Parchment paper
Ingredients You Need for Dutch Oven Bread
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar for faster yeast activation
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt and yeast. Stir well to mix evenly before adding water. - Add Water
Pour warm water into the dry mix. Stir gently with a spoon until dough forms and sticks together. - Let Dough Rest
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel. Let dough rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours for best results. - Preheat Oven
Place the Dutch oven in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) with lid on. This ensures even baking. - Shape the Dough
Turn dough onto a floured surface. Shape into a round loaf carefully. Avoid pressing too hard. - Transfer to Dutch Oven
Place dough on parchment paper. Carefully lift and put it into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with lid. - Bake the Bread
Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake 15 more minutes until crust is golden brown. - Cool the Bread
Remove bread from Dutch oven. Place on a wire rack. Let it cool at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Recipe Tips
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate flour measurement.
- Do not rush resting time; long fermentation gives better flavor.
- Preheat Dutch oven to ensure crispy crust.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Let bread cool fully for better slicing.
Nutrition Information
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbs | 35g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Dutch Oven Bread with butter, jam or olive oil. It is also great with soups or salads. Toast slices for breakfast or make sandwiches. You can serve warm or at room temperature. This bread is versatile for any meal.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Creamy soup like tomato or pumpkin
- Fresh salad with lemon dressing
- Butter and jam for breakfast
- Cheese platter for snacks
- Roasted vegetables for dinner
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight bag for up to 1 month.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes for fresh taste. Avoid storing in plastic without freezing; bread may get soggy.
Dutch Oven Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar for faster yeast activation
Instructions
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt and yeast. Stir well to mix evenly before adding water.
Add Water
- Pour warm water into the dry mix. Stir gently with a spoon until dough forms and sticks together.
Let Dough Rest
- Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel. Let dough rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours for best results.
Preheat Oven
- Place the Dutch oven in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) with lid on. This ensures even baking.
Shape the Dough
- Turn dough onto a floured surface. Shape into a round loaf carefully. Avoid pressing too hard.
Transfer to Dutch Oven
- Place dough on parchment paper. Carefully lift and put it into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with lid.
Bake the Bread
- Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake 15 more minutes until crust is golden brown.
Cool the Bread
- Remove bread from Dutch oven. Place on a wire rack. Let it cool at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate flour measurement.
- Do not rush resting time; long fermentation gives better flavor.
- Preheat Dutch oven to ensure crispy crust.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Let bread cool fully for better slicing.
FAQs about Dutch Oven Bread
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat works. Use 100% whole wheat or a mix with all-purpose for softer texture.
2. Can I skip the resting time?
No, resting helps dough rise and develop flavor. Shorter rest gives denser bread.
3. What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
Use a heavy pot with lid. Baking in a cast-iron or oven-safe pot works too.
4. Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Yes, you can add rosemary, thyme or grated cheese. Mix gently into dough before baking.
5. How do I know bread is fully baked?
Tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. Crust should be golden brown.
Conclusion
This Dutch Oven Bread recipe is easy, fun and delicious. Crispy outside and soft inside every time. Baking at home gives fresh, warm bread. Now you know how to make Dutch Oven Bread. Try it today for a perfect homemade loaf.
Enjoy it with butter, soup or your favorite toppings. Homemade bread is satisfying and tasty. This recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
