Why This Bread Is So Popular
This recipe went viral for a reason.
Super easy
Only 4 basic ingredients
No kneading
Minimal effort
Crazy crispy crust
Soft fluffy crumb
Tastes like bakery sourdough
Perfect for:
Sandwiches
Soup
Breakfast toast
Olive oil dipping
Or just eating warm with butter (dangerous 😂)
Ingredients (Simple & Cheap)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon instant yeast
- 1½ cups warm water
That’s it.
Seriously. No oil. No sugar. Nothing fancy.
Step 1 – Mix the Dough (2 minutes)
In a large bowl:
Add flour + salt + yeast
Mix together
Pour warm water
Stir with spoon until combined
It will look:
Sticky
Messy
Ugly
That’s NORMAL. Don’t add more flour.
Cover with plastic or towel.
Step 2 – Long Rest (The Magic Part)
Let sit at room temperature:
8–12 hours (overnight is perfect)
During this time:
The yeast works
Gluten forms
Air bubbles develop
This replaces kneading completely.
When ready, dough should look:
Bubbly
Soft
Sticky
Double in size
Smells slightly yeasty and amazing.
Step 3 – Shape Gently
Dust counter with flour.
Dump dough out gently.
Fold it over itself 2–3 times (don’t knead).
Shape into rough ball.
Place on parchment paper.
Let rest 30 minutes.
Step 4 – Preheat Dutch Oven
Put empty Dutch oven with lid inside oven.
Heat to:
450°F (230°C)
Preheat for 30 minutes.
Very important — hot pot = crispy crust.
Step 5 – Bake
Carefully place dough (with parchment) into hot pot.
Cover with lid.
Bake:
30 minutes covered
Then 10–15 minutes uncovered
Uncovered makes it golden and crackly like your photo.
Step 6 – Cool (Hardest Part)
Remove bread.
Let cool at least 20 minutes.
Cutting too early = gummy inside.
But yeah… waiting is torture 😄
What You’ll Get
Crust: thick, crunchy, crackly
Inside: soft, fluffy, airy holes
Flavor: rich, slightly chewy, bakery style
Basically looks like you bought it from a fancy café.
Pro Tips
Use bread flour → chewier texture
Add herbs → rosemary, garlic, thyme
Add olives or cheese
Sprinkle flour on top before baking
Score top with knife for that artisan look
Flavor Add-Ins (Fun Ideas)
Try mixing in:
Cheddar + jalapeño
Olives + oregano
Sun-dried tomatoes
Everything bagel seasoning
Roasted garlic
Seeds (sesame, sunflower)
This base recipe works with everything.
Storage
Room temp: 2–3 days
Freeze slices up to 2 months
Toast leftovers → amazing
Quick Serving Ideas
Warm + butter
Dipped in olive oil
With soup
Grilled cheese
Avocado toast
Breakfast eggs
Sandwiches
Or honestly… just rip pieces off like a savage and eat 😂
Final Thoughts
This is one of those recipes everyone should know.
Low effort
High reward
Zero baking skills required