Homemade Bread - All Reward

Crusty on the outside, soft inside. Made with patience and time, not skill.

Forget complicated recipes. This bread requires minimal effort and maximum flavor. Perfect for those small quick sandwiches, or just rolls for the table.

What You Need

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp instant yeast
• 1.5 cups warm water

The Method

1. Step 1: Mix (5 minutes)
   Combine flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Add water. Stir until shaggy dough forms. It should be sticky—don't fight it.
2. Step 2: Rest (12-18 hours)
   Cover with plastic wrap. Leave on counter at room temperature. The longer it sits, the better the flavor. Overnight is ideal.
3. Step 3: Shape (15 minutes)
   Turn dough onto floured surface. Fold it over itself a few times. Shape into a round ball. Place on parchment paper.
4. Step 4: Final Rise (2 hours)
   Let it rise until puffy. You'll know it's ready when it jiggles slightly when you shake the pan.
5. Step 5: Bake (45 minutes)
   Preheat oven to 450°F with Dutch oven inside for 30 minutes. Transfer dough to hot Dutch oven. Bake covered for 30 minutes, uncovered for 15 minutes until deeply golden.
6. Step 6: Cool
   Cool completely on a wire rack (I know, it's torture). This allows the crust to set and the crumb to finish cooking.

Why This Works

No kneading means no strength required. Time does all the work. The long fermentation develops flavor you can't rush. The steam from the Dutch oven creates that bakery-style crust.

Pro Tip

Make this bread on a weeknight. Mix before work, shape the next morning, bake in the afternoon. Fresh bread for dinner!