How to Make Crusty, Cozy Whole Wheat Dutch Oven Bread

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh, homemade bread filling your kitchen. This no-knead whole wheat Dutch oven loaf is not only simple to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Slice it for a hearty breakfast toast, serve it alongside soups and stews, or use it to create your favorite sandwiches. Whether you’re enjoying it warm with butter or letting it cool for later, this bread brings comfort and flavor to every meal.

Why Making Your Own Whole Wheat Bread Is Better Than Store Bought

Besides the fact that making your own bread is extremely rewarding and satisfying, it has many more benefits than buying store bought loaves. Homemade bread is fresh and has no unnecessary preservatives. Every slice you cut will burst with warmth and flavor, and the aroma baking fills your kitchen with a level of comfort that store bought cannot.

Ingredients

• 4 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
• 2 1/4 Teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons Sea Salt
• 2 Cups Warm Water
• More Flour for Shaping the Loaf

Equipment

• Dutch Oven (Here is the one that I use)
• Mixing Bowl

Directions

1. Mix all dry ingredients together, put the salt on side of the bowl and yeast on the other side, this will ensure that it mixes well.
2. Add water and stir until your bread dough forms. You may need to give or take a tablespoon of water.
3. Place in bowl and cover with plastic wrap and a towel.
4. Let the bread rise for 2 hours or as long as 18 hours. You could also get away with only letting ir rise for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
5. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees, place the dutch oven in the preheating oven.
6. While waiting for your oven to preheat you can shape the loaf on a floured surface with floured hands. Place in bowl and cover with towel while waiting for the oven to preheat.
7. Place your bread on parchment paper and place it in the preheated dutch oven.
8. Bake for 30 minutes in a covered dutch oven. After 30 minutes remove the lid and cook for 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden.
9. Let your bread rest before digging in!

Additional Notes

• You can add honey for a little more sweetness!
• You can mix in nuts and seeds for more health benefits.
• This bread is safe to freeze.
• Makes for a good sandwich, pairs well with salad, and the best overall warm almond butter!

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