Ingredients

You only need a few basic ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water

Optional toppings (for flavor):

  • Fresh or dried rosemary
  • Minced garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Sea salt flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

Slowly add the warm water and mix with a spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms. There is no need to knead—the dough should look rough and slightly wet.

2. Let It Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours, or overnight.

During this time, the yeast will slowly ferment the dough, creating air bubbles and developing flavor.

3. Shape the Dough

After rising, the dough will be soft and bubbly. Lightly flour your work surface and gently transfer the dough onto it.

Fold the dough over itself a few times to form a rough loaf shape. Do not knead—just shape it lightly.

4. Second Rise

Place the shaped dough onto parchment paper and cover it again. Let it rest for another 30–60 minutes while your oven preheats.

5. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). If you have a Dutch oven or heavy pot, place it inside the oven while it heats. This helps create steam, which gives the bread its crispy crust.

6. Bake the Bread

Carefully transfer the dough (with parchment paper) into the hot pot. Cover with a lid and bake for 30 minutes.

Then remove the lid and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp.

7. Cool Before Slicing

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This step is crucial—cutting too early can affect the texture inside.

Flavor Variations

You can easily customize this bread to suit your taste:

  • Add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist
  • Mix in shredded cheese for a richer flavor
  • Sprinkle herbs like rosemary or thyme on top before baking

Tips for Best Results

Use fresh yeast for optimal rise and flavor. Even though the amount is small, it plays a crucial role over the long fermentation period.

If your kitchen is cold, allow the dough to rise a bit longer. Warmer environments speed up fermentation.

For extra crustiness, place a small dish of water in the oven to create steam.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store your bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean towel at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread. Toast slices directly from frozen for convenience.

Nutritional and Practical Benefits

This bread is naturally dairy-free and egg-free, making it suitable for a wide range of diets. It’s also incredibly cost-effective, using just a handful of inexpensive ingredients.

Making your own bread allows you to control what goes into your food while enjoying the unmatched taste of freshly baked loaves.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this recipe, you may never go back to store-bought bread. It’s simple, affordable, and delivers amazing results every time.