No-Knead Crusty Artisan Bread

Hello!  I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and were able to enjoy time with your families (and good food too)!  I obviously took last week off, but I’m here now and trying to get back into my normal routine.  Which really isn’t much different since I’m always baking, but at least I probably won’t be going through as many pounds of sugar and sticks of butter in a week.

I think I’ve professed my love of bread before, but in case I haven’t, I ♥love♥ bread.  I think if I was told I couldn’t eat bread, I might just die.  There is nothing better than a warm slice of bread, slathered in butter. . . total heaven!!

I bookmarked this no-knead crusty artisan bread a long time ago and finally got around to making it a few weeks ago.  It’s a shame it took me so long because this bread is freaking delicious and will knock your socks off, honestly it will.  I’ve made it about four more times since and am amazed every time at how stinking scrumptious it is.  Wanna know the best part?  It’s so easy it kind of embarrassing.  You’ve got to trust me on this one, it’s easy, easy, peasy! Even if you have a fear of yeast breads and think you can’t make them, you’ve got to try this, anyone can make it.

I’m pretty sure something magical happens to this bread while it bakes. I’m also warning you that it’s so addicting, especially warm and fresh out of the oven.  I think I inhaled half the loaf the first time I made it. It’s so simple to make and requires only 4 ingredients.  You do need to plan ahead because the dough has to set at room temperature for 8-24 hours, but it’s completely worth the wait.

It’s so easy, in a large bowl, stir together your flour, salt and yeast. Pour in warm water and gently stir just until combined.  The dough will look “shaggy.”  Don’t over-work the dough.  Then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it sit anywhere between 8-24 hours at room temperature. You want it to rise and “bubble” to the surface. I’ve let mine rise anywhere from 8 hours to 20 hours and to be honest, I actually liked it better for some reason when I let it rise the shorter time (8 hours). (SORRY, I FORGOT TO TAKE PICTURES OF THIS STAGE OF THE BREAD MAKING!)

Once it’s risen, plop your dough out onto a well-floured surface. It will be sticky, so flour your hands really well and form it into a round ball. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap while your Dutch oven preheats.

Carefully remove your Dutch oven from the oven, and carefully place your dough in and cover it with the lid. Place the pan back into the oven for 30 minutes.

Now remove the lid and be amazed at what you see (it’s beautiful!). Put it back in the oven, uncovered and bake an additional 7-15 minutes. The uncovered baking time will depend on your oven. Mine needed about 8-9 minutes to turn that deep golden brown.  Watch it carefully.

No-Knead Crusty Artisan Bread

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• Author: 5boysbaker.com
• Total Time: 40 minutes

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and yeast. Add the water and stir using a wooden spoon until a “shaggy” mixture forms. Don’t over-work the dough. It will be slightly sticky.
2. Transfer the dough ball to a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let dough sit at room temperature for 8-24 hours. Dough will bubble up and rise.
3. When the dough is ready, place a Dutch oven into your oven and turn it on to 450°F. Let the Dutch oven warm-up for about 30 minutes.
4. While your Dutch oven preheats, turn dough onto a well-floured surface and with floured hands, fold the edges in on itself several times. Turn the dough over and begin forming it into a nice ball with a smooth surface. 
5. Place the dough onto a piece of parchment paper, then dust the top with flour and let rest for 15 minutes. 
6. Use a sharp knife to score an “X” into the top of the dough.
7. Carefully remove the heated Dutch oven and place the parchment paper and dough inside.
8. Replace lid and bake for 30 minutes covered. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the lid and bake for 8-15 minutes more, uncovered.
9. Carefully remove bread to a cutting board and let cool for 15-20 minutes. Cut using a good bread knife.
10. P.S. Try not to eat the entire loaf!

• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breads

Recipe Source: The Comfort of Cooking via Pinterest