Chestnut Free Classic Dutch Oven Bread
There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a golden, crackling loaf out of a screaming-hot Dutch oven, and this no-knead recipe delivers that bakery-worthy result with just four pantry staples. The long, slow rise — anywhere from 8 to 18 hours — does all the heavy lifting, developing a complex, slightly tangy flavor without any special equipment or technique beyond a good stir and a little patience. Because the ingredient list is so stripped down (flour, yeast, salt, and water), there is zero guesswork about hidden additives or unexpected allergens sneaking in from a store-bought loaf. The Dutch oven traps steam during the first bake, giving you that blistered, crackly crust, while the uncovered finish deepens the color to a rich, deep brown. Scoring the top before it goes in lets the loaf bloom dramatically as it bakes, so it looks as impressive as it tastes. Let it cool the full hour before you slice — the crumb needs that time to set into the open, chewy texture that makes this bread so irresistible.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ¼ tsp instant yeast
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°f / 43°c)
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, and kosher salt. Pour in the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until no dry flour remains and a shaggy, sticky dough forms — about 1 minute. The dough will look rough and uneven; that is correct.
- 2
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for 8 to 18 hours, until the surface is dotted with bubbles and the dough has roughly doubled in size.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!