WOW! I have spent A LOT of my time trying to learn different techniques for making good, crusty, artisan bread.  And, I have had success with several recipes.  But, they are not easy.  They sometimes require a sourdough starter (which I currently have in my refrigerator), and several different steps…..sometimes over the course of several days.  BUT, this recipe is easy and the bread is delicious!  I found this recipe when I was looking around at different Dutch Oven recipes.  It is originally adapted from a Le Crueset Recipe, courtesy of William Sonoma, but has been tweaked a bit after I read reviews and suggestions.

Ingredients

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour ( I use King Arthur)

1 3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon yeast (I use SAF Instant yeast)

1 1/2 cup water

Add the flour, salt & yeast into a large bowl and mix well

 Next, add the water to the flour mixture and mix well.  The mixture should be a bit shaggy, sticky and messy.

 Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit on the counter for 12-18 hours.

After the dough has sat, pre-heat your oven to 450.  Remove the plastic wrap from the bowl.  The dough should have risen and bubbles should be visible on the surface.

 Once the oven is ready, place your empty Dutch Oven (with the lid on) inside and let it heat there for 30 minutes.

Begin to scrape the dough from the bowl onto a floured surface.  Flour your hands and form a ball shape with the dough.  Use the plastic wrap you have and cover the dough, letting it sit while the Dutch Oven heats.

 Once 30 minutes have passed, carefully remove the Dutch Oven from the oven & remove the lid.  Remember that this is VERY hot…avoid making contact with it!  Carefully pick up the dough ball and place it in the center of the Dutch Oven.  Place the lid back on, and return it to the oven.  Let it cook for 30 minutes!

Carefully remove the Dutch Oven and using a spatula remove the bread from the oven (it should pop right out), placing it on a cooling rack.  Let the bread cool for 30 minutes

Serve & enjoy!!  This bread is crusty and delicious!  AND, it is super versatile!!  You can add lemon & sage, or cranberries & orange zest.  Anything that you can think of!  It doubles well too!  My family devoured this in an hour. I am definitely making it again & again & again!