Classic Crusty Bread

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large Mixing Bowl, whisk together the All-Purpose Flour, Instant Yeast, and Kosher Salt until evenly combined.

2. 2

   Pour in the Warm Water and stir with a Wooden Spoon or Spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms and no dry All-Purpose Flour remains. The dough will look rough and messy — that's perfectly normal. Do not knead.

3. 3

   Cover the Mixing Bowl tightly with Plastic Wrap or a lid and let the dough rest at room temperature for 8 to 18 hours. The dough is ready when it has roughly doubled in size and the surface is dotted with bubbles.

4. 4

   About 30 minutes before baking, place your Dutch Oven (with its lid) into the Oven and preheat to 450°F. This step is critical — the screaming-hot Dutch Oven is what gives the bread its incredible crust.

5. 5

   While the Oven preheats, turn the risen dough out onto a well-floured surface. With floured hands, gently fold the edges of the dough toward the center 4–6 times to form a rough ball. Do not overwork it — just bring it together. Flip it seam-side down.

6. 6

   Place the dough ball seam-side down onto a large sheet of Parchment Paper. Lightly dust the top with All-Purpose Flour and cover loosely with Plastic Wrap. Let it rest for 20–30 minutes while the Oven finishes preheating.

7. 7

   Using Insulated Gloves, carefully remove the hot Dutch Oven from the Oven and remove the lid. Using the Parchment Paper as a sling, lower the dough (parchment and all) into the Dutch Oven. Score the top of the dough with a sharp Knife or bread lame — one or two slashes about ½ inch deep. This controls how the bread expands.

8. 8

   Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. The lid traps steam from the dough, which keeps the crust soft long enough for the bread to fully expand.

9. 9

   Remove the lid and continue baking for another 15 minutes, until the crust is a deep golden brown. For a darker, crunchier crust, bake an extra 3–5 minutes. The internal temperature should read 200–210°F on an Meat Thermometer.

10. 10

    Using the Parchment Paper, carefully lift the bread out of the Dutch Oven and transfer it to a Wire Rack. Let it cool for at least 30–45 minutes before slicing. Cutting too early releases steam and makes the interior gummy.