
There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a golden, crackling loaf out of a Dutch oven, especially when it required almost no effort the night before. This recipe uses just four pantry staples β flour, yeast, salt, and water β making it naturally free from animal products and wonderfully simple to control from start to finish. For anyone managing a low-residue approach to eating, homemade white bread is one of the easiest wins because you know exactly what went into it, with no added seeds, grains, or fiber-heavy mix-ins hiding in the crumb. The long, slow rise does all the heavy lifting, developing flavor and structure without any kneading, so the texture comes out soft and tender inside with a beautifully crisp crust. A quick fold, a hot Dutch oven, and a little patience are all it takes to produce a loaf that slices cleanly and pairs well with everything from smooth soups to a simple spread. Letting it cool fully before cutting is worth the wait β the interior sets into that pillowy, even crumb that makes each slice genuinely satisfying.
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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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