Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups lukewarm water (70-80°F)
Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 5 cloves garlic, smashed into small pieces
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast until well blended.
- Add Water and Mix: Pour in the lukewarm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms, ensuring all dry flour is moistened.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with greased plastic wrap and leave it to rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, preferably overnight, until bubbly and doubled in size.
- Add Herbs and Garlic: When ready to bake, sprinkle the Italian seasoning and smashed garlic over the dough and gently fold to incorporate the flavors.
- Preheat Oven and Dutch Oven: Heat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a heavy cast iron pot with its lid inside the oven and heat for 30 minutes to create a hot baking surface.
- Shape the Dough: Meanwhile, transfer the dough onto a heavily floured surface or parchment paper. Using floured hands, shape the dough into a tight ball. Cover the dough loosely with greased plastic wrap and let it rest while the pot heats.
- Bake Covered: Carefully remove the preheated cast iron pot from the oven. Place the dough ball directly inside the pot and cover with the lid. Return the pot to the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake the bread for an additional 10 minutes to develop a golden crust.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it onto a cooling rack. For softer bread, cool for 5 minutes, then place in a plastic bag without sealing. For a crustier loaf, let the bread cool completely uncovered at room temperature.
Notes
- Using a Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid traps steam, which is essential for a crisp crust.
- The long fermentation time (12-18 hours) develops flavor and texture without kneading.
- Heavily flouring the surface prevents sticking and helps achieve a rustic crust.
- Adjust baking times slightly if using a different sized pot or oven.
- Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 12 hours 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian