Very few things in life are as satisfying as pulling a loaf of crusty white bread out of the oven. The aroma, the texture, the taste—it’s pure bliss. And guess what? You can make it at home with just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience. Let’s get baking!
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples, proving that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make delicious bread.
- Perfect Crust: The secret to that irresistible crust is a combination of high heat and steam during baking.
- No-Knead Method: Save your arms the workout; this dough comes together with minimal effort and no kneading required.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as is, or use it as the base for sandwiches, toast, or even bread pudding.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel
- Dutch oven or a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid
- Parchment paper (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast. Gradually add the warm water, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be sticky—that’s exactly what you want. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. The long fermentation develops flavor and texture without any kneading.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
After the dough has risen and is bubbly, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, gently shape it into a ball by folding the edges towards the center. Let it rest for 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 450°F with your Dutch oven inside.
Step 3: Bake the Bread
Carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven from the oven. Place the dough inside (use parchment paper for easier handling if desired), cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for another 15 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips and Tricks
For an even crispier crust, spritz the dough with water before baking. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can create steam in your oven by placing a pan of water on the lower rack. Experiment with adding herbs or cheese to the dough for extra flavor. Always let your bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.
Recipe Variations
- Herb Bread: Mix in 2 tablespoons of your favorite dried herbs with the flour.
- Cheese Bread: Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheese during the shaping step.
- Whole Wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Garlic Bread: Brush the baked bread with melted butter mixed with minced garlic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast in the same quantity. The main difference is that instant yeast doesn’t need to be dissolved in water first, so you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
Why is my bread too dense?
A dense loaf can result from not letting the dough rise long enough, using too much flour, or not enough water. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and give the dough plenty of time to ferment.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This specific recipe relies on gluten for its structure, so substituting gluten-free flour won’t yield the same results. However, there are many gluten-free bread recipes available that are designed to work without gluten.
Summary
This crusty white bread recipe is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. With just four ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a loaf that’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and utterly delicious. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.