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Home » Recipes » Easy crusty bread

Easy crusty bread

August 17, 2021 by Alida Ryder 61 Comments

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The most delicious crusty bread recipe I have tried. It is easy to make and requires very little effort and delivers a perfectly delicious loaf every time.

Easy crusty bread

Ingredients

Full recipe with amounts can be found in the recipe card below. 

  • Warm water. The water needs to be warm enough so that when you put your finger in it, it feels like nothing (this is called blood temperature). Take care not to use water that is too hot as this will kill the yeast.
  • Instant yeast. 
  • Sugar. 
  • Flour. I’ve used bread flour, cake flour and 00-flour for this recipe. Pretty much any white flour will work. Very strong bread flours (flour with a high protein percentage) might just need a little more rising time.
  • Salt. 

Bread dough

Tips for making the best crusty bread

  1. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook definitely simplifies this recipe even more but it can totally be made by hand.
  2. Giving the dough a good 90 minutes to rise allows a good amount of flavor to develop. You can leave the dough in the fridge overnight for slow fermentation to happen too.
  3. Preheating the Dutch oven (casserole pot/pot with a lid) in the oven is perhaps the most important step in this recipe. The screaming hot pot is 100% the reason the crust is so shatteringly crisp.
  4. Even though a loaf of bread straight from the oven is one of the most glorious things in the world, resist temptation and allow the bread to cool to room temperature before slicing. Cutting into the loaf too quickly can cause the interior to be gummy. Allow the bread to cool completely for the fluffiest, softest interior just begging for a thick layer of butter and flaky sea salt.

Easy crusty bread made with 5 ingredients.

Making ahead and freezing

  1. Make ahead: This dough can be made up to 4 days ahead and kept in an airtight container in the fridge. Allow to come to room temperature before baking as instructed.
  2. Freezing: The kneaded dough can be frozen in freezer bags for up to 4 months. Thaw in a bowl covered with a damp tea towel and allow to rise before baking as directed. Baked bread can be wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen for 30 minutes or until the bread is hot throughout and crusty.

What to serve with crusty bread

  1. Easy healthy chicken broccoli soup
  2. Instant Pot Irish beef stew
  3. The ultimate BLT sandwich

An easy recipe for crusty bread.

Bread recipes

  1. Easy soft and fluffy bread rolls
  2. Easy white bread
  3. Focaccia bread
  4. Cheese and herb Irish soda bread
  5. Brioche loaf

Easy crusty bread with butter.

Easy crusty bread

Easy crusty bread

The most delicious bread recipe I have tried. It is easy to make and requires very little effort and delivers a crusty, delicious loaf every time.
4.44 from 46 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Baking
Keyword: bread, Crusty bread, Crusty bread recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Proofing time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 186kcal
Author: Alida Ryder

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven / Oven-safe pot with lid

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups warm water (When you put your finger in the water, it should feel like nothing. This is called blood temperature. 98.6°F or 37°C)
  • 10 g (2tsp) instant yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 3 cups flour (+1 cup for dusting)
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the water, sugar and yeast. Allow to stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
  • Add the flour and salt then knead with the dough hook for 5 minutes.
  • The dough will be slightly sticky but shouldn't be wet. If it is, add 1-2 tbsp flour and knead in.
  • Bring the dough together into a ball with your hand. Dust over 1-2 tbsp flour (you want it to be well covered).
  • Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel and allow the dough to rise for 1 hour until doubled in size. Leaving the dough in a warm spot will aid the rising.
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F. Place a pot (dutch oven) with a lid into the oven to preheat.
  • When the dough has proved, turn it out onto a floured surface. Fold the edges into the center of the dough then place into a floured bowl, seam side down. Dust over more flour.
  • Cover with the tea towel and allow to rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Carefully remove the pot from the oven and remove the lid. Transfer the dough to the pot and cover with the lid.
  • Place in the oven and allow to bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
  • Remove the bread from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for 20-30 minutes (or until it has cooled to room temperature) before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 293mg | Potassium: 12mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 1g | Iron: 2mg

 

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Filed Under: Baking Recipes, Bread Recipes, Recipes, Sides, Vegetarian Tagged With: baking, Bread, crusty bread, easy bread recipe, easy crusty bread, side dish, vegetarian

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Comments

  1. Les

    March 16, 2022 at 9:53 PM

    Can I bake it in a Ninja, Bake/Roast?

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      March 27, 2022 at 6:53 PM

      I’ve never tried it so can’t advise.

      Reply
  2. Rae

    January 5, 2022 at 6:03 AM

    Mine is in the oven now. I had to add an extra cup of flour as the dough was pretty liquid. I also used regular yeast. I sure hope this turns out as I’m taking it to a dinner party tomorrow…

    Reply
  3. Britt

    October 26, 2021 at 8:17 PM

    I don’t have a Dutch oven, can I use a regular loaf pan?

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      November 25, 2021 at 7:42 PM

      Yes, you can!

      Reply
  4. Glenyss

    August 8, 2021 at 1:02 PM

    Made this today and wow it was amazing. My adult sons and my daughter in law’s came over and we ate it up with lunch. My first attempt and I was so thrilled that it turned out so good. Now would love to make some savoury loaves next. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  5. Josephine B

    July 2, 2021 at 8:02 AM

    Hi Ali, I’m in Sydney – Australia and IN “lockdown” so to amuse myself and keep warm this time of the year thought I’d do some baking. Came across your site just yesterday and have already copied out a few of your gorgeous creations in readiness. I’m wondering with this bread can I add some dried garlic granules and dried rosemary and if so, when would I add it in? Would it be right to add it in with the salt before mixing?
    Thoroughly enjoying reading (so far) all the fabulous recipes on your site, will definitely keep a watch out. 🙂

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      July 4, 2021 at 8:57 AM

      Hi Josephine. We’re in lockdown too so I know what you’re going through 😉 You can absolutely add flavourings to this bread. Add it with the salt and allow to knead into the dough.

      Thanks so much for your lovely comment and happy baking!

      Reply
  6. IVONA

    June 17, 2021 at 1:41 PM

    HI ALIDA, IF I PUT THE BREAD IN THE FRIDGE TO FERMENT OVERNIGHT, MUST I BRING IT TO ROOM TEMP AND THEN LET IT RISE DOUBLE BEFORE PUTTING IT IN MY DUTCH OVEN?

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      June 26, 2021 at 4:58 PM

      Yes, definitely allow it to come to room temperature.

      Reply
  7. Robert Baru

    May 22, 2021 at 7:24 AM

    Thank you! Tried the recipe, result – my 15 year old ate a whole loaf by [email protected]

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      June 6, 2021 at 2:47 PM

      So glad you liked it.

      Reply
  8. Linda

    April 27, 2021 at 4:02 PM

    Great recipe, my family love this bread. Thank you for sharing. Definitely my ‘go to ‘ recipe from now on ??

    Reply
  9. Vicky

    April 2, 2021 at 11:28 AM

    Hi Alida, I tried your recipe my god, it was absolutely beautiful gorgeous and delicious. How do I make this bread into sour dough bread got family and friends begging me to make sour dough bread. Thankyou vicki

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 19, 2021 at 3:51 PM

      Hi Vicki. I am so, SO happy you liked this recipe so much. You would need to use a sourdough starter instead of yeast.

      Reply
  10. Natasha

    February 24, 2021 at 2:20 PM

    Hi
    Can’t wait to try this today!

    But do you think I can replace half the white flour with wholemeal flour?

    Kind regards
    Natasha

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      March 23, 2021 at 5:45 PM

      You could, the proofing time will just need to be adjusted.

      Reply
      • Mandy Larder

        April 29, 2021 at 6:13 PM

        My husband bought Very Strong White Flour. Do the measurements or timings change at all. xx

        Reply
        • Alida Ryder

          May 18, 2021 at 2:52 PM

          You might need to let it rise for longer, but other than that you can follow the recipe exactly.

          Reply
  11. Deb Wyatt

    February 2, 2021 at 10:12 PM

    Wonderful and so easy. A new go-to for sure!

    Reply
  12. Eydie

    February 2, 2021 at 7:12 PM

    Do you grease the Dutch oven!

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      February 5, 2021 at 12:21 PM

      No, not necessary.

      Reply
  13. Areanne Layne

    December 22, 2020 at 12:20 PM

    Absolutely delicious and so easy to follow

    Reply
  14. Claudia Major

    November 18, 2020 at 1:54 PM

    How long do you leave the Dutch oven in the oven to heat before adding the bread. The recipe seems to indicate 30 min or the time it takes the bread to rise the last time.

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      November 29, 2020 at 1:11 PM

      Yup, around 30 minutes should be perfect.

      Reply
    • Caroline

      February 17, 2022 at 8:58 PM

      Hi, I’m in the UK, how much is 1 cup in grams?

      Reply
      • Alida Ryder

        March 27, 2022 at 7:14 PM

        1 cup of flour is 125g.

        Reply
  15. Michelle

    September 12, 2020 at 7:53 PM

    How long to knead by hand?

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      September 14, 2020 at 9:46 AM

      Approximately 5-10 minutes until the dough is smooth.

      Reply
  16. James Beardsley

    June 27, 2020 at 5:02 AM

    This was my first time making homemade bread. It turned out great and it was very easy to make. It is awesome with butter and jam or butter with a little salt. YUM

    Reply
  17. Eleni

    April 20, 2020 at 5:05 AM

    How do you store the left overs?
    My partner is concerned if I put it into ziploc that I’ll kill the delicious crust.

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 20, 2020 at 1:49 PM

      Your partner is correct, covering with plastic will cause the crust to soften. You can either store it in a paper bag or just wrap it in a clean tea towel.

      Reply
    • Kat

      May 28, 2020 at 7:52 PM

      Can bread flour be used in this recipe?

      Reply
      • Alida Ryder

        June 1, 2020 at 4:40 PM

        Absolutely!

        Reply
    • Nishma Hyde

      February 17, 2021 at 10:36 AM

      Great and easy to follow…made my 1st bread

      Reply
  18. Sharon Smit

    April 16, 2020 at 5:10 PM

    Novice bread maker & 3rd time making this recipe in as many weeks & it turns out better each time. Thanks so much. How & what could I add as flavourings. I tend to make it to have with soup

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 17, 2020 at 6:59 PM

      Amazing! I’m so happy to hear that Sharon!

      Reply
  19. Rosie

    April 14, 2020 at 10:13 AM

    This easy crusty bread recipe is an absolute winner! The loaf of bread didn’t last longer than a day in my house because everyone loved it so much. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe, I will definitely be baking it again.

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 14, 2020 at 2:16 PM

      So glad you liked it Rosie!

      Reply
  20. Margaret Ralph

    April 13, 2020 at 8:53 PM

    Best bread recipe ever.Can switch in different flours.I used a seeded one with great results.So easy to make,and am going to continue to bake it regularly after lockdown eases.Shared with a lot of friends.

    Reply
  21. Ruby

    April 13, 2020 at 8:20 PM

    Yummy, easy and very well written recipe. Even a novice like me got it right!

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 13, 2020 at 8:31 PM

      Thanks so much Ruby!

      Reply
  22. Heike

    April 13, 2020 at 8:16 PM

    This is such a super easy, no fuss but crazy delicious bread. Thanks for the recipe Alida!

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 13, 2020 at 8:32 PM

      Awesome. 🙂 Thanks so much for your comment Heike!

      Reply
  23. Jessica

    April 13, 2020 at 8:14 PM

    The easiest no fuss bread I have made. Completely satisfying to any carb lover.

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 13, 2020 at 8:32 PM

      So good to hear, thanks Jessica!

      Reply
  24. Linda

    April 11, 2020 at 12:35 PM

    What kind of flour do you use – cake flour or white bread flour? White bread flour is seeming a little hard to come by during lock down

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 11, 2020 at 1:38 PM

      Either will work. Most commercial brands are interchangeable.

      Reply
  25. Haneem

    April 3, 2020 at 5:18 PM

    How important is a Dutch oven to this recipe as I don’t own one.

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 3, 2020 at 5:24 PM

      It definitely helps create a crispier crust but I have seen people bake the bread in a loaf pan too with great success.

      Reply
  26. colleen

    April 1, 2020 at 11:19 AM

    what is a dutch pot

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 3, 2020 at 5:26 PM

      A Dutch Oven is a casserole pot like a Le Creuset or Staub. Any ovenproof pot with a lid will work though.

      Reply
  27. Dawn

    March 31, 2020 at 11:56 PM

    Hi Alida, I do not have a warm place in my home. The average temp is about 70 degrees F in any room. Not being a bread maker, is this temp ok for the dough to rise sufficiently? Of course, this time of year this temp is about normal. In summer, we usually have the AC on so stays about the same. Thanks for any help you can give me as I definitely want to try making this bread! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 3, 2020 at 5:27 PM

      Not a problem at all. It might take slightly longer for the dough to rise, that’s all.

      Reply
  28. Kathy B

    March 31, 2020 at 11:35 PM

    What size Dutch oven did you use? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      April 3, 2020 at 5:27 PM

      I used a 25cm.

      Reply
    • Sharon

      April 11, 2020 at 9:21 PM

      Bread is in the oven and it isn’t browning! I’ve made bread for 55 yrs and have never had this happen. Used a pot w/ a lid. Any ideas on what I could’ve done incorrectly? TIA

      Reply
      • Alida Ryder

        April 12, 2020 at 11:10 AM

        If you remove the lid and bake for another 20 minutes it should brown.

        Reply
        • sharon

          April 18, 2020 at 8:48 AM

          thank you

          Reply
  29. Leticia

    March 25, 2020 at 7:21 AM

    I do not have a mixer at all can I still. . Need the bread by hand

    Reply
    • Alida Ryder

      March 25, 2020 at 3:10 PM

      Absolutely!

      Reply

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Hi! I'm Alida, mom of twins and creator of Simply Delicious. I hope to encourage a love for cooking by creating fool-proof recipes that are easy and delicious. Read More…

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