This is one recipe you're going to want to save for the winter months to go along with your soups, stews and roasts. Who am I kidding? It's so good you're going to want to make it no matter what time of year!
It's small size is ideal for one or two people to share or if you just don't want to use up all your baking ingredients.
Like most no knead doughs, this small batch crusty bread has a very wet and sticky dough. The less it is handled the more air pockets it will have after baking (think more crevices to slather in butter). You'll want to have plenty of flour on your counter when you shape it.
This recipe creates perfect little loaves where the crust has come out light and crisp, with a fluffy inside that's just begging to be buttered! We’ve served slices on the side of soups, salads, roasts, and just about any meal you can think of. And it makes a killer sandwich bread, of course!
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, salt and yeast.
Stir in water using a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a shaggy but cohesive dough. Do not over-work the dough.
Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Let dough sit at room temperature for 8-24 hours. (Or for a longer rise, put in the fridge for 24 hours - 5 days.
After dough is ready, preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Place your Dutch oven (or other large baking dish), uncovered, into the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
While your Dutch oven preheats, turn dough onto a well-floured surface. With floured hands, form the dough into a ball. Divide into 6 equal-sized pieces and gently form into round balls. Cover dough loosely with plastic wrap and let rest.
After Dutch oven has preheated for 30 minutes, carefully remove Dutch oven with oven mitts. It will be VERY HOT!
With floured hands, place dough balls onto parchment paper and lower into hot Dutch oven.
Replace lid and bake for 30 minutes covered. Carefully remove cover and bake for 7-15 minutes more, uncovered.
Carefully remove loaves to a cutting board. Use for crostini, sandwich buns, or garlic bread!