Simple Rustic Bread in a Dutch Oven
A cozy, golden loaf fresh from your oven in just a few hours.
There’s something magical about the smell of bread baking — it’s like time slows down and the whole house leans in closer. This loaf is one of my favorite ‘back-to-basics’ recipes: no fuss, no complicated techniques — just flour, yeast, water, salt, and a touch of olive oil come together in the most beautiful way.
Fresh from the oven — golden, crackling, and ready to fill your home with warmth.
Ingredients
2 cups lukewarm water
1 envelope active dry yeast (about 2¼ teaspoons)
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1½ teaspoons kosher salt (I like Maldon Garlic Sea Salt Flakes)
1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Bloom the yeast: In a large bowl, mix the lukewarm water and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture.
3. Form the dough: Wet your working hand and mix by hand until a shaggy dough forms. Adjust flour or water 1 tablespoon at a time if too sticky or dry.
4. First rise (2 hours): Cover the bowl and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
5. Poke and fold: Gently press your finger into the dough — it should slowly deflate. Use a spatula or wet hand to fold the dough from the edges toward the center, rotating the bowl.
6. Second rise (2 hours): Cover again and let rise a second time.
7. Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Sprinkle a little flour on top and shape into a round loaf. Pinch seams on the bottom.
8. Final rise (1 hour): Place the loaf seam-side down in a lightly oiled, floured bowl. Cover and let rise.
9. Preheat the Dutch oven: Place a 6–8 qt Dutch oven (with lid) into your oven. Preheat to 450°F for 1 hour.
10. Bake the bread: Turn the dough into the hot pot (parchment paper optional). Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
11. Finish the crust: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden.
12. Cool and serve: Let cool at least 10 minutes before slicing.
From My Kitchen to Yours
There’s something so grounding about the act of baking bread — flour on your hands, warmth in the kitchen, and the slow unfolding of something beautiful. I hope this simple rustic loaf brings comfort and joy to your home, just as it did in mine.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out — tag me @TradWifeKitchen or leave a comment below.
With warmth and love,
Krissy 🕊️