Fool-Proof Artisan Bread

An easy, no-knead artisan bread that creates a crisp crust and soft interior with minimal effort — perfect for beginners and home bakers alike.

Ingredients

  • • 3 1/2 Cups all purpose flour
  • • 2 Teaspoons kosher salt
  • • 1/2 Teaspoon instant yeast (I use SAF brand!)
  • • 1 1/2 Cups warm water

Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients until a soft dough forms. This can be done in a mixer or with a bowl and wooden spoon.
  2. Add dough to a bowl and allow it to sit (covered with plastic wrap at room temperature) for 4 up to 24 hours.
  3. Dump dough onto a floured counter and gently pull sides downward for a few seconds until a round, smooth loaf is formed.
  4. Place loaf onto parchment and into a Dutch oven on top of a thin layer of rice (optional). Bake at 450°F for 30 minutes with lid on, then 15 minutes with lid off until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Allow to cool 10–15 minutes so the crust softens slightly and crackles before serving.