I have always wanted to make my own bread, but somehow it always felt too daunting so I left it alone. Then the Pandemic happened, and I have been trying to up my baking game by testing out new recipes, so I decided, if not now, when? I searched around for the most basic recipe I could find and after a few tries I found the one that seems the easiest and most delicious. Trust me, if I can do this, you can too.

Makes One Round Loaf of Delicious Bread

1 Tbs. Fast acting yeast

1 Tbs. Kosher salt

3 Cups warm water (warm to touch, not hot)

6 ½ cups AP flour (more for sprinkling on board)

Large bowl

Medium to Large Dutch Oven

Parchment paper

Serrated knife

Mix yeast, salt and warm water together in large bowl and stir until dissolved. Add the flour and stir until dough forms. It will be loose and shaggy looking, but don’t fret. Cover with cotton cloth and set aside in a cool, dark place for 2 hours.

Pour the dough out onto a floured surface and fold into itself in four parts. Turn over so folds are on the bottom and top is smooth. Set aside on parchment paper on board and let sit uncovered for 45 minutes.

In the meantime, turn oven on to 450 for 45 minutes. Place Dutch Oven inside with top on to heat.

After 45 minutes, make an X on top of the bread with a serrated knife. Take the Dutch Oven out of the oven and gently place the bread with parchment paper inside. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the top and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove the bread from the Dutch Oven and let cool on cutting board.

Enjoy!