The Easiest Homemade Bread Recipe Ever
Ingredients
- 6 cups bread flour
- 4 tsp instant yeast
- 2½ tsp salt
- 3½ cups warm water (about 100-110°F)
Instructions
- Mix Your Dough (10 Minutes)Combine the bread flour, instant yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Pour in the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until completely incorporated. The dough will look shaggy and sticky – that's perfect! Make sure no dry flour remains on the sides or bottom of the bowl. If needed, add additional water one tablespoon at a time.
- Let It Rise (2.5 Hours)Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place it in a warm area of your kitchen away from drafts. Let the dough rise for 2.5 hours. During this time, the yeast will work its magic, creating air pockets and developing flavor.
- Preheat Your Dutch Oven (10-15 Minutes)When your dough is done rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place your Dutch oven with the lid on inside the preheating oven. Let both preheat together for at least 10 minutes.
- Shape Your DoughWhile your Dutch oven preheats, lightly flour your hands and a work surface. Gently shape the dough into a round boule (ball) without kneading or overworking it. Place it on a piece of parchment paper large enough to lift the dough with.
- Bake Covered (30 Minutes)Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from your oven (use good oven mitts!). Lower your dough on the parchment paper into the Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and return it to the oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered (10 Minutes)Remove the lid and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the crust is a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool and EnjoyCarefully lift the bread out using the parchment paper and place it on a wire rack to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This cooling period allows the interior to finish cooking and set properly.