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    Home » Recipes » Breads and Pizza Recipes

    Beginner-Friendly Dutch Oven Bread

    Published: Mar 14, 2025 by Ned Adams · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

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    Social Media image for Beginner-Friendly Dutch Oven Bread.
    Social Media image for Beginner-Friendly Dutch Oven Bread.

    Who says baking bread has to be hard? Some recipes can be complicated, but this one isn’t! Bake your own Dutch Oven Bread with this easy recipe. Whether you’re a novice baker or just craving fresh homemade loaf, this foolproof recipe is the perfect way to get started!

    A loaf of dutch oven bread on a cutting board with a slice cut and leaning over in front of the loaf.
    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Variations
    • How to Make Bread in a Dutch Oven
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Delicious Bread Recipes
    • Get the Recipe

    This beginner-friendly Dutch Oven Bread is fresh, hot, and very easy to make! All you need are a few simple ingredients—bread flour, salt, yeast, and water—and a trusty Dutch oven. With just a little patience, any baker can create delicious, no-knead bread right at home.

    Ready to make bakery-quality loaf at any skill level? Whether you're enjoying it with a warm bowl of soup or as the perfect sandwich base, this dutch oven bread recipe will quickly become a kitchen favorite!

    Interested in more savory and sweet dutch oven bread recipes? Check out these sweet Dutch Oven Cinnamon Rolls, Rosemary Garlic Bread, or my Dutch Oven Raspberry Bread, next!

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    • Minimal Effort, Maximum Results: Perfect for bakers of all levels, this recipe makes it easy—just mix, let it rise, and bake. No kneading required!
    • Simple Pantry Staples: With only 4 ingredients (water included!), this rustic bread recipe is not only affordable but also easy for everyone to make.
    • Versatile for Every Meal: This loaf is like a blank canvas so you can pair it with anything—dip it in a warm soup, pile on your favorite sandwich fillings, or enjoy with butter and jam.
    • The Dutch Oven Difference: The Dutch oven creates the ideal steam environment for a crispy, golden crust and evenly baked bread every time. The secret to this recipe is all in the pot!

    Ingredients

    Ingredients to make homemade white bread on the table before mixing.
    • White Bread Flour: Preferred over all-purpose flour for its higher protein content, which helps develop gluten during the rising process, resulting in a chewier, more substantial texture. For a healthier option, try substituting half of the white flour with whole wheat flour, rye, or spelt—just be mindful that each will bring a different flavor and texture to it.
    • Yeast and Water: The yeast acts as the leavening agent, helping the dough rise to create a light, airy texture, while the warm water (around 100°F) activates the yeast, speeding up the rise for a fluffier loaf. 
    • Salt: Not only enhances flavor but also regulates yeast activity and strengthens gluten strands, improving both texture and taste.

    See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

    Variations

    • Infuse Herbs: Add thyme, rosemary, oregano, or basil to infuse your loaf with fragrant, aromatic flavors.
    • Fold in Flavor: Gently fold in ingredients like cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or pesto to bring Mediterranean flair to your loaf.
    • Nuts, Seeds, and Fruit: Sprinkle in sesame or poppy seeds for a subtle crunch, or top with chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, or pistachios for added nutty flavor. You can also fold in dried fruit for a chewy bite that enhances the texture.
    • Sweeten Your Loaf: For a sweet twist, mix in cinnamon, raisins, or even chocolate chips, creating a mouthwatering breakfast loaf or dessert.

    How to Make Bread in a Dutch Oven

    Take just 3 simple steps and bake your way to the best Dutch oven bread, all from the comfort of your own home. It’s easy, accessible, and bakes in just 45 minutes. Preheat your oven to 450°F, grab your 12” Dutch oven, and gather those 5 ingredients:

    Ingredients mixed in a bowl.
    1. Step 1: Make the Dough. Combine the white bread flour, salt, rapid-rise yeast, and warm water in a bowl. Mix together to form a shaggy dough. . 
    Dough after rising in a bowl to double the size.
    1. Step 2: Let It Rise. Cover the bowl and let it rise for 2 hours.
    Dough turned out on a floured surface.
    1. Step 3: Transfer Dough. Place the dough on a floured surface.
    Dough shaped in a ball.
    1. Step 4: Let it Rest. Shape the dough into a ball and return the dough to the bowl, cover it, and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
    Dough ball in a dutch oven lined with parchment.
    1. Step 5: Prep for Baking. Gently place the dough ball into the Dutch oven and cover with a lid.
    Baked white bread in a cast iron Dutch oven.
    1. Step 6: Bake. Bake the bread covered for 30 minutes. Then, uncover it and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden.

    Serving Suggestions

    Now that your cast iron Dutch oven bread is ready, let’s talk about the best ways to slice it up! It is incredibly versatile and a great addition to any table. Whether it’s a snack, side, or part of a main dish, here are some ideas to enhance your meal:

    • Slice and spread with cream cheese and jam for a simple yet wholesome breakfast side.
    • Build your own restaurant-style sandwich with juicy Italian meatballs, sliced cast iron steak, or honey glazed ham for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
    • Dip it in a hearty bowl of ham and bean soup, corn chowder, or ground beef stew as the perfect way to warm up on a chilly night.
    • Use it to mop up the savory sauce on pasta night, whether it’s with tortellini with sausage, chili mac, or manicotti pasta bake.

    Expert Tips

    • Measure Carefully: Baking can be a bit picky, so measuring your ingredients accurately really matters. It makes a big difference in how your Dutch oven white bread turns out, both in texture and flavor.
    • Get that Perfect Crust: Bake your bread in a Dutch oven with the lid on at the start! This traps steam and ensures the dough starts baking right away. It’s the key to a golden, crispy crust while keeping the inside soft and airy.
    • Additions Impact the Rise: If you’re adding extra ingredients, the dough will need more time to rise and bake since the added density affects the texture. Be sure to adjust your baking times accordingly!
    • Choose the Right Dutch Oven: For best results, use a non-enameled Dutch oven. It handles the high heat better and won’t get damaged during the baking process.
    A loaf of freshly baked dutch oven bread still in the pan.

    Recipe FAQs

    How do I store and reheat leftover, crusty dutch oven bread?

    Once your loaf has cooled, store leftovers in a resealable bag or wrap it in plastic wrap - it’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. If freezing, just thaw overnight, then stick it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to bring back that perfect crust and warm center.

    Can I bake this on the stovetop?

    While many Dutch ovens work on the stovetop, for the best bread, it’s best to bake in the oven. The oven provides even heat and the steam needed for that perfect crust and soft inside.

    Can I make this without a Dutch oven?

    Yes, you can! If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can use any oven-safe pot or even a baking stone. Just keep in mind that different methods can affect how well the bread bakes in the oven and the texture of the crust.

    Dutch oven cast iron bread on a wooden cutting board with slices cut.

    More Delicious Bread Recipes

    • Cheesy Alfredo Pull Aparts in a Dutch Oven with a side of marinara sauce in a cup.
      Cheesy Pull Apart Bread
    • Bacon Banana Bread
      Bacon Banana Bread
    • Two toasted slices of garlic bread close up.
      Cast Iron Garlic Bread
    • Creamed Corn Cornbread still in the skillet ready to be served.
      Skillet Creamed Corn Cornbread

    If you tried this dutch oven white bread recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!

    Get the Recipe

    A loaf of dutch oven bread that's golden brown on top.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 6 votes

    Homemade Dutch Oven Bread

    This easy-to-make Dutch Oven Bread recipe delivers a golden, crusty loaf with a soft interior. No kneading required—just simple ingredients and minimal steps for bakery-quality results. Great for bakers at any level!
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time45 minutes mins
    12 hours hrs
    Total Time12 hours hrs 55 minutes mins
    Course: Bread
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 8 people
    Calories: 172kcal
    Author: Ned Adams
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • 12" Dutch Oven (5 quart)

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups white bread flour
    • 1 tsp. salt
    • ½ tsp. yeast rapid rise
    • 1 ½ cups water warm

    Instructions

    • In a bowl combine ingredients, cover and let rise for 2 hours
    • Add dough to a floured surface and form a ball
    • Let dough rest for 30 minutes in bowl, covered
    • Preheat oven to 450 degrees
    • Add dough to Dutch oven and bake for 30 minutes covered
    • Uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes
    • OPTIONAL: Serve with jam

    Notes

    • Measure Carefully: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor for your Dutch oven bread.
    • The Perfect Crust: Preheat your Dutch oven with the lid on to trap steam and ensure the bread starts baking right away. This is key to getting a golden, crispy crust while keeping the inside soft and airy.
    • Let the Dough Rest: Letting it rest for 30 minutes will allow it to rise further and help develop a lighter texture. The rest time allows the dough to breathe and form a better structure during baking.
    • Bakeware: This bread recipe works best in a non enameled Dutch oven.
    • Using Regular Yeast: If you do not have rapid rise yeast, you can use regular yeast. Let rise for 12 hours in that case.
    Credit: It's Always Autumn 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 172kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 242mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 2mg

    Dutch Oven Daddy is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

    Did you try this recipe?Leave me a comment and rating below or Tag @DutchOvenDaddy on Instagram to show us your photos!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 6 votes

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Leah Ingram

      April 02, 2025 at 5:48 am

      5 stars
      You are speaking my husband's love language with this bread. I shared this recipe with him and he surprised me with it . It is so good. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Ned Adams

        April 02, 2025 at 5:50 am

        Oh that’s such a fun surprise!! Glad you both enjoyed it!

        Reply
    2. D

      March 19, 2025 at 9:08 am

      5 stars
      Tasty!!!

      Reply
    3. Edward

      March 18, 2025 at 4:51 am

      5 stars
      What an amazing, delicious, and easy recipe to make. Thank you!

      Reply
    4. Pat Gulley

      December 30, 2023 at 6:22 am

      Can I use a black Dutch oven?

      Reply
      • Ned Adams

        December 30, 2023 at 6:26 am

        Absolutely! You can use a non enameled Dutch oven.

        Reply
    5. Dave Spencer

      April 29, 2023 at 7:42 am

      5 stars
      I finally decided to try baking bread. This simple recipe was easy to follow. I thought I would ruin it, like hard crust and doughy in middle. It turned out with nice, thin, crispy crust, and light in the middle. Now I have the confidence to keep baking.

      Reply
    6. Kim

      February 27, 2023 at 4:28 pm

      5 stars
      Was so easy & delicious!!

      Reply
      • Ned Adams

        February 27, 2023 at 4:30 pm

        So glad it was easy and turned out well for you!

        Reply
    7. Lynn

      February 27, 2023 at 9:19 am

      5 stars
      Very good… must try!

      Reply
      • Ned Adams

        February 27, 2023 at 9:24 am

        Awesome, Lynn! So glad you enjoyed.

        Reply
    8. Chuck

      October 06, 2020 at 8:48 pm

      I use this recipe quite often. I only use 1/4 tsp of yeast and let it rise 18 hrs. Turns out great every time. I add raisins on occasion for something different. Definitely pre heat the Dutch oven!

      Reply
      • Ned Adams

        October 06, 2020 at 8:58 pm

        Thanks for sharing Chuck! Glad you like this recipe! Great suggestion on the raisins.

        Reply
    9. Geoff

      August 25, 2020 at 4:47 am

      hi, do you preheat the dutch oven?

      Reply
      • Ned Adams

        August 25, 2020 at 7:35 am

        Hi Geoff, thanks for your question. This recipe does not require to preheat the Dutch Oven.

        Reply
    10. Henry Quintero

      July 15, 2020 at 8:22 am

      Good recipe even at 6,000 feet elevation.

      Reply
      • Ned Adams

        July 21, 2020 at 8:47 am

        Awesome! I'm glad it worked well for you at your elevation.

        Reply

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    Hi I'm Ned,

    the Dutch Oven Daddy! I’m a full-time computer nerd and part-time cook. My passion is cast iron cooking with tips, tricks, and delicious recipes. I love using my recipes to bring together family and friends. I believe everything is made better in cast iron!

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