Bake rustic, artisan-style Dutch oven bread at home! Soft inside, golden crust outside, this is an easy homemade recipe perfect for any meal.
With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll bake a rustic artisan-style loaf that’s soft and fluffy on the inside with a crisp golden crust.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. Dough will be sticky.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or kitchen towel. Let dough sit covered at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours until it doubles in size.
About 30 minutes before baking, place a Dutch oven with its lid on into the oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C).
Scrape dough onto a floured surface. With floured hands, form dough into a ball shape by folding the edges toward the center (about 6 folds). Place the dough ball onto a sheet of parchment paper.
Dust with flour and make a few slits across the top of the dough if you prefer.
Carefully remove the Dutch oven pot from the oven. Lift the dough using the parchment paper into the Dutch oven.
Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake another 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
Remove from oven. Carefully lift the bread from the Dutch oven (using the parchment paper) and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
