
There is something almost magical about pulling a crackling, golden loaf out of a Dutch oven when you started with nothing more than flour, yeast, salt, and water. This recipe is as stripped-down as bread gets, which is exactly what makes it so reliable β and so easy to trust when you need to avoid hidden spices or flavoring blends that often sneak into store-bought loaves. The long, slow fermentation does all the heavy lifting overnight, developing a complex, slightly tangy flavor without any kneading or special equipment beyond a pot with a lid. You simply stir the dough together, walk away for up to 18 hours, and come back to a bubbly, ready-to-bake mass that practically shapes itself. The Dutch oven traps steam during the first bake, giving the crust that deep, bakery-style crunch while keeping the interior open and chewy. Letting the finished loaf cool for a full hour before slicing is the hardest part, but it ensures every slice holds together beautifully. Whether you are toasting it, tearing it alongside soup, or just slathering it with your favorite spread, this is the kind of homemade bread that makes you wonder why you ever bought a packaged loaf at all.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, and 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 β about 1 minute. The dough will look rough and uneven; that is correct.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp 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.
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