Easy Artisan Bread

Ingredients

Steps

1. 1

   In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, yeast, and salt, stirring to combine with a large wooden spoon. Stir in the water until the mixture is very sticky and no lumps of flour remain. Cover and place in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

2. 2

   For an overnight rise: after mixing the dough, cover and refrigerate until doubled in size. This will take about 8 hours but will keep in the fridge up to 24 hours total.

3. 3

   Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place a large Dutch oven with a lid in the oven for at least 30 minutes.

4. 4

   Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.

5. 5

   Using lightly floured hands, reach down one side of the dough to the bottom of the bowl, pull up, and stretch the edge of the dough over the center toward the opposite side. Turn the bowl 90 degrees and repeat the folding and turning, working in a circle around the dough until it starts to hold its shape, about 8 to 10 rotations. Pinch any seams together at the center of the dough ball.

6. 6

   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, placing it seam side down. Shape into a round loaf. Transfer the dough onto parchment paper and sprinkle it with flour. Loosely cover with plastic wrap or a tea towel for 10 minutes.

7. 7

   Using a sharp knife or bread lame, cut a slit about 1/4-inch deep across the top of the dough. Very carefully place the dough with the parchment paper directly into the preheated Dutch oven and cover with the lid.

8. 8

   Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake until deeply golden brown, about 15 to 17 minutes more. Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven, using the parchment paper to help, and place on a wire rack to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.