My life has been changed by this amazing bread recipe. I have been mind blown by the easiness of this recipe and the deliciousness of the end result. I am sure my domestic goddessness has risen at least 10 points! I found this recipe on the blog simply so good called crusty bread, however I believe the original recipe was presented by Jim Lahey in the New York Times found here. This bread has so many possibilities, so I will show you my first attempts at making the best home made bread ever!
This loaf was my second attempt at this bread. The first loaf I made plain, but this one I added a little excitement.
This recipe is super simple:
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (the original recipe calls for 1 3/4 teaspoons salt, I found this made the bread too salty)
- 1/2 teaspoon yeast
- 1 1/2 cups water (adjust as needed, I had to use an additional splash to make it all moist)
THATS IT!
To make more exciting bread you can use your imagination to make any flavor combination. For my second loaf I added 3/4 cup shredded old cheddar cheese and a jalapeno! YUM!
Now for the method. I forgot to take pictures of the first few steps but they are super easy to understand.
Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl, then add the water and other flavorings as you wish. mix this all together untill everything is moist. You may need to add a little extra water to make sure there is no dryness.
Step 2: Then cover the bowl with saran-wrap and let sit for at least 12- 18 hours. I just make the bread bread before bed and bake it the next day. Your dough will double in size!
Step 3: Remove the dough from the bowl and use a heavily floured surface to shape the dough into a ball.
Step 4: Then use the plastic wrap from the bowl to cover the dough while you wait for the oven to preheat. The dough should rest for about a half hour while you preheat the oven to 450 degrees and heat your heat safe pot. I used this pot (I don’t know what it is called) but you can use a cast iron pot, which I wish I had, or anything pot with a lid works that can take the heat. The pot needs to be very very hot before you add the dough!
Step 5: Be careful and drop your dough into your pot. cover with the lid and put in the oven for 30 mins.
Step 6: Remove the lid and bake for another 15 mins
Step 7: Remove the amazing bread and let cool! So exciting!!
And this is what you can make. So easy and so YUMMY!
Slice the bread and see how moist the bread is. It is perfect!
This is the only picture I had of the first plain loaf. It was amazing. This will defiantly be a staple in our house.
Let me know what flavor combinations you come up with.
I hope you have as much of a great time making this bread as I did. Have fun creating!
XO JCL
Making Things is Awesome | Quilts | Sewing | DIY 
Simply amazing and looks so good ,can,t wait to try some!
looks great! and jalapeno and cheddar…what a good combo!
I have made bread like this before, so easy, leaving it to rise overnight is the trick and it is delicous
It is soooo good! I am trying to think of new flavors to try! Thanks for all of your comments, hope to see you soon.
Your pot looks like a Romertoff. Did you soak the pot first? The instructions for mine always require soaking the pot and top 10 minutes before use. I have jalapeños from my garden waiting to be used .
I added cinnamon sugar and vanilla and its sensational! Thank you! Also tried a garlic cheddar which turned out great!
Just found this on pinterest. Sounds wonderful and I certainly plan on trying it. What about adding crisp bacon bits to the jalapeno cheddar mix? I think maybe a maple or applewood smoked bacon might make a delicious addition.
Is the first 12-18 hrs rise in the fridge?
The dough will rise well just left on the counter. ❤️👍🏻