Foolproof Dutch Oven Bread Recipe (2024)

September 26, 2013 by Lindsay 57 Comments

This easy recipe for Dutch Oven Bread requires minimal effort and is basically foolproof. Enjoy homemade bread made withreal, healthy ingredients and no processed junk.

**Photos updated April 2016**

Hi Friends!

I first shared this recipe over two years ago in a guest post. Last week I came to a few realizations:

It had been far too long since I made this bread
I should definitely share this recipe with all of you!

So here it is. A super easy way to make an absolutely delicious loaf of bread. It requires almost no kneading and it’s pretty much foolproof!

Here’s the recipe:

Dutch Oven Bread

Print Recipe

★★★★★5 from 3 reviews

A foolproof recipe that requires very little kneading and comes out perfectly every time!

Author: Author: Lindsay L
Prep Time: 4 hours
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

2 c bread flour
1 c white whole wheat flour
1 tsp salt
pinch of sugar
1.5 c warm water
2+3/4 tsp active dry yeast

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Pour the warm water into a large bowl. Add yeast and a pinch of sugar and let sit for 5 minutes.
Add salt and flours and stir until a shaggy ball of dough is formed.
Cover and let rise in a warm place for 4 hours.
Turn dough out onto a floured surface. With floured hands, knead the dough 5-10 times.
Return dough to the bowl and let rise for another 30 minutes.
While dough is rising, place your dutch oven (uncovered) in the oven and preheat to 430 degrees F.
After 30 minutes, use floured hands to reshape dough into a ball and carefully drop into the dutch oven.
Cover and let bake for 30 minutes.
Uncover and let bake 10-15 minutes longer.
Remove loaf from dutch oven and let cool.

In case you haven’t picked up on it yet, I love my Dutch oven 🙂

I’ve tried this recipe with all bread flour and it’s fantastic. I’ve tried it with 2 cups white whole wheat flour and 1 cup bread flour and it’s ok, but not great It doesn’t rise as much and it’s much denser. I personally think the best ratio is 2 cups bread flour and 1 cup white whole wheat flour.

Enjoy with some peanut butter or make yourself a sandwich!

Let’s chat:
Do you bake your own bread?!
Do you have a favorite recipe?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

Debbie @ Live from La Quinta says
September 26, 2013 at 12:31 AM
I don’t have a dutch oven, but that bread looks so good I want to get one (totally worth it for that, right?). I love bread (yes, I admit it). Especially homemade, hot from the oven.
Reply
- Lindsay says
  September 26, 2013 at 9:25 AM
  totally worth it 🙂
  Reply
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
September 26, 2013 at 3:48 AM
I’ve never heard of Dutch oven bread before, but it looks lovely! 🙂
Reply
Dan says
September 26, 2013 at 5:33 AM
This looks amazing! I’m a Dutch oven fanatic (have all shapes and sizes) but I never heard of this! I can wasily see making a loaf of this in the oven while another Dutch oven is cooking stew/soup. All Dutch oven dinner! Thanks for sharing.
Reply
- Lindsay says
  September 26, 2013 at 9:25 AM
  i like the way you think! enjoy!
  Reply
Linz @ Itz Linz says
September 26, 2013 at 6:52 AM
i like i like! question: do you have to use bread flour? i only have whole wheat!
Reply
- Lindsay says
  September 26, 2013 at 9:25 AM
  yeah, i think bread flour is crucial in this recipe. Using all whole wheat would make it a lot denser and chewier.
  Reply
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says
See Also
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe Homemade Ricotta Cheese Recipe | The Prairie Homestead Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls Recipe Best Ever Sweet Potato Brownies Recipe - My Natural Family
September 26, 2013 at 7:12 AM
I love how you make things like tortillas and bread so simply! I definitely would want to try this in our Dutch oven. The last time I made bread was with my mom using a bread maker that requires lots of different steps. This sounds so much easier, and it looks tasty!
Reply
- Lindsay says
  September 26, 2013 at 9:24 AM
  it’s definitely easy! hope you like it!
  Reply
Heather @fitncookies says
September 26, 2013 at 7:16 AM
Might be a really dumb question, but what is Dutch Oven bread? Does it taste just like bread, or what? I love how easy this is! I don’t typically make my own bread, but make cinnamon rolls! haha
Reply
- Lindsay says
  September 26, 2013 at 9:24 AM
  not a dumb question..it’s just like regular bread…just the pot that you cook it in is called a dutch oven!
  Reply
Coco says
September 26, 2013 at 7:31 AM
Oh that looks ssscrumptious. There is something deep inside that can’t resist warm, fresh-baked bread!
Reply
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
September 26, 2013 at 7:43 AM
I have NOT made my own bread but I would like to!
Reply
- Lindsay says
  September 26, 2013 at 9:23 AM
  let Emmy help you stir!
  Reply
Danielle says
September 26, 2013 at 7:50 AM
I am a bread fanatic so this looks amazing! I might have to experiment with a gluten free version for myself. I love making Elana’s pantry Paleo Bread as my bread of choice. It tastes so much better than store bought.
Reply
- Lindsay says
  September 26, 2013 at 9:23 AM
  good luck! hope you’re successful with a GF version!
  Reply
HollieisFueledByLOLZ says
September 26, 2013 at 8:08 AM
I saw this on instagram and knew I wanted to make it eventually! It looks so good. We actually make bread at my house but in a bread maker. I really want to try making this too.
Reply
- Lindsay says
  September 26, 2013 at 9:23 AM
  nice! I love my bread maker but somehow I lost the little thing that kneads the dough…so it’s somewhat ineffective now 🙁
  Reply
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
September 26, 2013 at 8:08 AM
I love the looks of this bread… especially because I’ve been wanting to try making my own bread forever now, and it seems so foolproof. Thanks for sharing, girl!
Reply
- Lindsay says
  September 26, 2013 at 9:22 AM
  woohoo! let me know if you try it!
  Reply
Becky @ Olives n Wine says
September 26, 2013 at 8:23 AM
I love how easy this recipe is! Baking bread is one of my all time favorite things to do in the winter – it just makes the entire house smell so good 🙂
Reply
- Lindsay says
  September 26, 2013 at 9:22 AM
  i agree!!
  Reply
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
September 26, 2013 at 8:30 AM
I can practically smell it. I have a ciabatta recipe that starts in the bread machine and then I finish it out with a second rise and shape it for the oven. Super simple. Nothing beats homemade bread.
Reply
- Lindsay says
  September 26, 2013 at 9:22 AM
  ooooh ciabatta, yum! I’ve never made that at home!
  Reply
Alysia @ Slim Sanity says
September 26, 2013 at 8:40 AM
I’ll have to try this! My first attempt at bread was a fail, pretty sure I got the yeast part wrong because it didn’t really rise. The recipe I had also had twice the number of ingredients!
See Also
Homemade Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe
Reply
- Lindsay says
  September 26, 2013 at 9:22 AM
  yeah i think when it comes to bread, simple is best!
  Reply
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
September 26, 2013 at 8:43 AM
There’s nothing like fresh homemade bread right out of the oven! I swear, it’s the most amazing thing ever. Love this recipe!
Reply
Danica @ It's Progression says
September 26, 2013 at 8:43 AM
homemade bread is seriously the best…thanks for sharing this recipe!
Reply
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
September 26, 2013 at 9:19 AM
It’s so pretty! I usually stick with quick breads, but I have a couple leftover yeast packets from when I made my Tuscan bread recipe not too long ago. I think I’ve found a way to use them. 🙂
Reply
- Lindsay says
  September 26, 2013 at 9:21 AM
  enjoy, my friend!
  Reply
Morganne @ Nut Butter Runner says
September 26, 2013 at 9:20 AM
I love love LOVE making my own bread! Focaccia bread is one of my favorites! Which reminds me I need to post that recipe 🙂 I’m definitely going to have to try this Dutch Oven Bread!
Reply
- Lindsay says
  September 26, 2013 at 9:21 AM
  yes! definitely post! I love focaccia!
  Reply
dixya| food, pleasure, and health says
September 26, 2013 at 10:11 AM
with all that deliciousness, I need a dutch oven!
Reply
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
September 26, 2013 at 10:33 AM
This is proof why I need a Dutch oven! I absolutely love homemade bread, but I tend to screw it up or it’s REALLY doughy/thick and not suitable to eat. I will so try this in the future!
Reply
Heather says
September 26, 2013 at 11:33 AM
I ADORE homemade bread, but I rarely make it anymore. It’s just time consuming (waiting for it to rise, etc). But you have me thinking about it now. 🙂
Reply
Ashley says
September 26, 2013 at 12:49 PM
I love this post! I normally don’t eat white bread, but only because of all the crazy ingredients it comes with. This is a nice clean way to make bread, and an excuse to use my dutch oven!
Reply
Nicole @ not before my tea says
September 26, 2013 at 1:08 PM
Seriously in love with this (and with bread in general). As your little bloggy intern, I submitted this one to Health Aperture today. If it’s not front page tomorrow, we know the site’s rigged… just saying.
Reply
Jillienne @ ChasingRaspberries says
September 26, 2013 at 2:53 PM
I have never made bread in a dutch oven before but it’s brilliant! I am excited to try this recipe!
Reply
Ashlee@HisnHers says
September 26, 2013 at 3:40 PM
I’m really regretting not registering for a dutch oven when I got married! I’m too cheap and have ZERO space to go buy one now :-/
Reply
Lisa @ RunWiki says
September 26, 2013 at 4:18 PM
Nothing better than bread straight out of the oven with a big hunk of butter! ha! Some people crave sweets, I crave chewy, crusty bread and butter. Yum
Reply
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
September 26, 2013 at 7:03 PM
I had NO idea that I could use my dutch oven to make bread!! I am loving this!
Reply
Jody - Fit at 55 says
September 26, 2013 at 7:09 PM
This bread lover is salivating!!! I wish I were next door to you when you make this!!!! 🙂
comment luv issues again..
Time is “Running” Out! http://truth2beingfit.com/2013/09/25/time-is-running-out.aspx
Reply
Tammie says
September 26, 2013 at 8:47 PM
Your bread looks amazing! Thanks for sharing! Whenever I make bread, I like to add some herbs (rosemary, oregano, garlic) to it! It tastes really good with olive oil 🙂
Reply
She Rocks Fitness says
September 26, 2013 at 9:24 PM
One of my clients made me loaves of a bread similar to this except it was mini ones and OMG they were awesome. I am scared to work with yeast, but maybe I should give it a shot. 🙂 Looks fabulous as always!
Reply
Lindsey says
October 13, 2013 at 9:28 PM
I have been meaning to try a recipe like this for a while now. I found yours, and tried it this afternoon. I think that it easily may be one of the best bread recipes I have ever tried. I only had all purpose flour, so I used that, and I needed to add a little extra flour, but it turned out wonderful!!!!!!
Reply
- Lindsay says
  October 14, 2013 at 7:07 AM
  yay! so glad to hear it!
  Reply
Brook says
April 27, 2014 at 1:55 PM
Great recipe!
I did add to it/change it a bit to fit my family’s tastes. I added a large pinch of thyme and a large pinch of rosemary and made it an herbal bread. I served it with a small bowl of olive oil with basil and rosemary in the olive oil. This bread dip is much healthier then butter and just taste better at dinner.
I am sure there are several herbal “themes” you can use with this bread. I am sure Irish potato bread served with an Irish stew would come out amazing.
★★★★★
Reply
J.V. says
December 18, 2014 at 7:57 PM
Have you ever doubled this recipe? If so, how long did you bake? Or would I be better off making two separate loaves?
Reply
- Lindsay says
  December 19, 2014 at 2:21 PM
  i’d probably make 2 separate loaves!
  Reply
Vicki says
January 5, 2015 at 9:15 AM
I made this recipe and husband and nephew loved it. Bought my son & daughter in law a dutch oven and this is the first recipe I sent them. Now that I think about it I will make a loaf today.
★★★★★
Reply
- Lindsay says
  January 5, 2015 at 11:58 AM
  awesome!!
  Reply
Colleen says
January 27, 2016 at 10:52 AM
I’m really confused by the 23/4 tsp of active dry yeast. Do you mean 2 x 3/4 tsp or is that a typo and it’s supposed to just be 3/4 tsp?
Reply
- Lindsay says
  January 27, 2016 at 10:52 AM
  it’s 2 full tsp plus 3/4 tsp
  Reply
  - Colleen says
    January 27, 2016 at 10:55 AM
    Thanks for the clarification! There are a lot of ways to interpret that and yeast is pretty important when making bread.
    Reply
Allie says
April 8, 2016 at 6:56 AM
I love making bread this way and its so easy! After seeing your pictures I Now I need to get out my dutch oven and make a loaf because there’s nothing like homemade bread.
Reply
Pavement Runner says
April 9, 2016 at 12:08 AM
Still posting amazing pictures and baking amazing things…
Reply
Marissa says
June 9, 2020 at 10:38 AM
This has been one of my go to bread recipes for years!!! I’ve been sending it to friends who have been hesitant to bake bread and it has worked out great for them.
★★★★★
Reply

Foolproof Dutch Oven Bread Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is a Dutch oven the best way to bake bread? ›

But the real magic comes from the cast-iron Dutch oven, the perfect vessel for baking bread. It acts like an oven-within-the-oven, maintaining a high and steady heat that transforms this sticky dough into a gorgeous round loaf with a crisp crust and excellent crumb structure.

Read On ›

Why is my Dutch oven bread so dense? ›

Usually bread will be dense when there is too much flour. Keep in mind this dough will be sticky and shaggy, do not add any more flour than specified. Other factors that come into play are humidity and age of flour. Little yeast, long rise, sticky dough are keys to a good, light loaf.

Why is my Dutch oven bread so hard? ›

Any tips for preventing a thick, hard crust on the bottom of my bread done in a Dutch oven? Make sure you are using a heavy gauge Dutch oven and that it isn't too close to the bottom heat element in your oven. If you are still getting a thick, hard crust, you can put a pillow of foil down, like this.

How do you bake bread in a Dutch oven without burning the bottom? ›

Another method to help prevent burning your bread dough in a Dutch oven is to remove it once the crust has set, about 30 minutes into baking. This means the dough has baked for 20 minutes with the lid on (and with steam), then uncovered and baked for another 10 minutes.

View Details ›

Should I put parchment paper in Dutch oven for bread? ›

You can shape your dough on a rectangular sheet of parchment paper, then use it to safely lower the dough into your Dutch oven. Once your gorgeous loaf of bread is finished cooking, the parchment paper makes removing the loaf super easy.

Read On ›

Do you put the lid on the Dutch oven when baking bread? ›

A Dutch oven is a catch-all term for enclosing your loaf inside a chamber for the first 20 minutes of the bake and then baking without the lid for the next 20 minutes. Enclosing a loaf like this in the initial part of the bake helps the loaf to achieve really good oven spring.

View Details ›

What is the best size Dutch oven for baking bread? ›

You just need a lid to cover it and the proper heat-conducting cast-iron material, and your bread will come out perfectly every time. Size & Shape: Look for a 6- to 7-quart, round Dutch oven. Anything much bigger will cause the bread to spread out and go flat.

How do you know when Dutch oven bread is done? ›

To see if your bread is done, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the loaf. (If you go at an angle and through the side or bottom, you can minimize the visual evidence!) Most breads are finished baking at about 190°.

View Details ›

What are the benefits of a Dutch oven for bread? ›

The high heat inside the Dutch oven brings the water inside the dough to evaporate. Because you have the lid on top, the steam is trapped inside and creates a hot and steamy environment. This helps your bread to stay moist and flexible so it can rise and expand easily.

Does bread brown in a Dutch oven? ›

Baking bread in a dutch oven is the best way to make an artisan loaf that's super soft inside and crunchy and golden brown on the outside.

Learn More ›

What to use instead of a Dutch oven to bake bread? ›

Option 2: Use an oven-safe pot and a tight lid or sheet pan. Next up: baking crusty bread with an oven-safe pot and a sheet pan! If your pot has a tight-fitting, oven-safe lid, feel free to use that instead of a sheet pan.

Tell Me More ›

What is the best Dutch oven shape for bread? ›

Look for a 6- to 7-quart, round Dutch oven. Anything much bigger will cause the bread to spread out and go flat. The 6- and 7-quart size yields the perfect round shape, with plenty of springy height. We prefer the round shape to accommodate a round boule, but oval will work.

See Details ›

Foolproof Dutch Oven Bread Recipe (2024)

Dutch Oven Bread

Ingredients

Instructions

About Lindsay

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FAQs

Is a Dutch oven the best way to bake bread? ›

How do you know when Dutch oven bread is done? ›

References