Ingredients

  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp instant yeast
  • 1½ cups (360 ml) lukewarm water
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)

Method

  1. Mix: Combine flour, salt, yeast, and sugar. Add water and mix into a sticky dough.
  2. Rise: Cover and leave at room temperature for 2–3 hours, or until doubled in size.
  3. Shape: Turn onto a floured surface, fold into a round loaf, and rest for 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat: Heat your covered Dutch oven in the oven at 230°C (450°F) for 30 minutes.
  5. Bake covered: Carefully place the dough inside. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Bake uncovered: Remove the lid and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Cool: Let the bread cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Tips for perfect bread

  • A sticky dough helps create a moist, airy crumb.
  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot pot.
  • Make sure your pot is oven-safe and has no plastic handles.
  • For the best crust, allow the loaf to cool completely before cutting.