Simple 4-Ingredient Artisan Bread

Ingredients

• 4 cup Bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 tbsp Dry yeast (Instant yeast)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 cup warm water (possibly a splash more if the dough is too dry)
• Butter (for serving)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, mix 4 cups flour, 1 tbsp yeast, and 1 tsp salt.

2. 2

   Add 2 cups warm water and stir. If the dough appears too dry, add a small splash more water until a sticky dough forms.

3. 3

   Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for 2 hours until it has doubled in volume.

4. 4

   Preheat a cast-iron pot (Dutch oven) in the oven (typically to about 230°C / 450°F).

5. 5

   Flour the work surface. Carefully turn the dough out of the bowl onto the surface. Wet your fingers to prevent sticking.

6. 6

   Stretch and fold the dough over itself several times to build structure.

7. 7

   Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper and let it rest for another 30 minutes.

8. 8

   Carefully lift the dough along with the parchment paper into the hot Dutch oven.

9. 9

   Place the lid on the pot and bake the bread in the oven for 30 minutes.

10. 10

    After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake the bread uncovered for another 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

11. 11

    Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool briefly on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

The author uses instant yeast, which can be mixed directly with the flour. Using a cast-iron pot is crucial for the crust as it traps the steam.

Nutrition per serving

• Bread
• Baking
• Easy
• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• Side dish
• Breakfast