I discovered a remarkable way to create a crispy artisan loaf that rivals top bakery delights. Using my tried and trusted Dutch Oven Bread technique, I transformed simple ingredients into chewy perfection. Every bite bursts with surprises and hearty texture. Let your curiosity run wild with this delicious home-made sensation.

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I’ve been messing around in the kitchen for ages and this recipe blew my mind. The World’s Easiest Yeast Bread Recipe is a game changer if you’re into super crusty homemade bread that has that perfect crispy and chewy crust with big holes just like the fancy artisan breads.

All you need is 3 cups of bread flour (or all-purpose if that’s what you have), 1 1/4 cups of lukewarm water (around 110°F is best), 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon instant dry yeast. I love how forgiving this recipe is so even if you mess up a bit it turns out great.

Whether youre using a dutch oven or a recipe tin, there are plenty of notes to help guide you along the way to a really tasty loaf. Plus, you can even make it ahead of time for up to 3 days and then try a fun cheese bread version tomorrow.

Enjoy the process and happy baking!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s super forgiving— even if I mess up a bit, it still comes out tasting awesome. Sometimes I get nervous about baking, but knowing that mistakes won’t totally ruin the loaf really puts me at ease.

I also dig how the long, slow rise creates a chewy, crispy crust with those big fat holes. The process might take a while, but it’s totally worth it when I get that artisan-style bread right at home.

Lastly, I appreciate how simple and versatile it is. Whether I use a Dutch oven for that amazing crust or just shape it on a baking sheet, it’s straightforward and always delivers a delicious, satisfying loaf.

Ingredients

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This flour offers protein for gluten formation and carbohydrates to energize your body.
Lukewarm water activates yeast and hydrates dough for a soft crumb texture.
Salt enhances flavor and controls yeast fermentation ensuring a balanced, tasty bread.
Sugar fuels yeast activity while adding a hint of sweetness to enrich the dough.
Instant dry yeast helps dough rise quickly giving you airy, delightful bread.
This simple recipe transforms basic pantry staples into comforting homemade bread perfect for beginners.
Combined, these ingredients create dough that is soft, airy and full of flavor.
This foolproof recipe is ideal for busy home bakers seeking comfort food.

Ingredient Quantities

3 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour if you like)

1 1/4 cups lukewarm water (around 110°F is best)

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon instant dry yeast

How to Make this

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1. In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water with the instant yeast and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so the yeast can get active.

2. Add the bread flour and salt to the bowl, stirring with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Flour your hands and surface lightly, then knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it starts to smooth out (it may still be a bit sticky, and thats ok).

4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rest in a warm spot for 8 to 12 hours. This long, slow rise is key for a chewy crust and big fat holes.

5. Once the dough has doubled in size and is full of bubbles, tip it out onto your floured counter and gently fold it a few times.

6. Preheat your oven to 450°F. If youre using a Dutch oven, put it in the oven while it warms up – this helps create that amazing crust.

7. Spread a piece of parchment on your counter, gently shape your dough into a rough round loaf, and then if you have a Dutch oven, carefully lift the dough on the parchment and place into the hot pot.

8. Bake in the Dutch oven, covered, for 15 minutes. Then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the crust is crispy and golden.

9. If you dont have a Dutch oven, simply shape your dough into a loaf and put it on a baking sheet. The baking time remains the same; just make sure you adjust your technique for a crisper crust.

10. Remove your bread from the oven and let it cool on a rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy the super crusty loaf, and remember, its forgiving so even if its not perfect, its still delicious!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl for combining water, yeast, sugar, flour, and salt
2. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredients measurement
3. Spatula for stirring until the dough starts coming together
4. A clean, lightly floured surface (like your counter) for kneading the dough
5. Plastic wrap or a damp towel to cover the bowl during the long rise
6. Parchment paper to help transfer and shape the dough
7. Dutch oven (or alternatively a baking sheet if you dont have one) to bake the bread
8. An oven preheated to 450°F for baking
9. Cooling rack to let the bread cool before slicing

FAQ

Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

A: Sure thing, you can swap in all-purpose flour and it should work just fine, though the texture might be a little different.

Q: What should the water temperature be?

A: Make sure the water is lukewarm, around 110°F, so the yeast activates properly. Too hot or too cold can mess up the rise.

Q: How long does it take for the dough to rise?

A: Usually, it takes about 1 to 1 1/2 hours for the dough to double in size. Just keep an eye on it.

Q: Can I mix the dough by hand?

A: Yep, mixing by hand works fine if you dont have a mixer. Just be sure to knead it until it feels smooth.

Q: What if my dough doesn't rise well?

A: If the dough isnt rising, double-check your water temperature and that the yeast isnt expired. Sometimes even a slight cool or warm mishap can affect it.

World’s Easiest Yeast Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Bread Flour: Try using all-purpose flour if you cant find bread flour; it might make the bread a bit less chewy but still tasty.
Water: Instead of lukewarm water, you could use room temperature water if you let it sit a bit longer, just be sure its not too cold.
Salt: Kosher salt or sea salt can replace table salt but use the same amount cause they may have different grain sizes.
Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can work in place of sugar though you might want to use a little less since they are sweeter.
Instant Dry Yeast: If you dont have instant dry yeast, active dry yeast is a great substitute, just be sure to dissolve it in water first.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your water isn’t too hot cuz that can kill the yeast. Let it be around 110°F like it says so that your yeast gets a good wake up call and bubbles up nicely.
2. Don’t stress if your dough is sticky at first; that’s totally normal. Just flour your hands and surface and keep kneading a bit—it’ll smooth out as you go along.
3. The long, slow rest for 8 to 12 hours is super important, so try to give your dough all the time it needs. Even if you forget a bit or it’s a little off schedule, it generally still comes out yummy.
4. If you got a Dutch oven, heat it up beforehand because that intense heat helps form that crispy, golden crust. Failing to do that may leave you with a loaf that doesn’t have as nice a crunch.