Quick Homemade Crusty Bread
This easy-to-make homemade crusty bread features a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior, making it perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water Ensure water is warm, not hot.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and yeast.
- Add warm water and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 12 to 18 hours at room temperature.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven inside to heat.
- After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a ball.
- Carefully transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper.
- Remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven, lift the parchment paper with the dough, and place it into the pot.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
Store your bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap it well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze. To refresh, simply pop it in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the crustiness. Consider brushing the top of the dough with olive oil before baking for a more golden color.