Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 12–18 hours
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 13–19 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Intensity: Beginner
Servings: 8 slices
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon instant yeast
- 1½ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the skillet)
- Extra flour for dusting
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cast-iron skillet (10–12 inches)
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir until evenly mixed. Pour in the warm water and stir using a wooden spoon until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. The dough will appear rough and wet, which is exactly what you want. There is no need to knead the dough.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Leave the dough at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. During this time, the dough will expand, develop bubbles, and become soft and airy.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface. Carefully turn the dough out onto the floured surface. Fold the edges toward the center several times to form a rough ball. Avoid kneading, as this may remove the air bubbles that create the bread’s light texture.
Allow the dough to rest for about 30 minutes while preparing the skillet.
Step 4: Preheat the Skillet
Place your cast-iron skillet in the oven and preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Heat the skillet for about 20 minutes to ensure it is thoroughly hot.
Carefully remove the hot skillet using oven mitts and lightly coat it with olive oil.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Gently place the dough into the hot skillet. If desired, use a sharp knife to score the top of the dough with one or two shallow cuts.
Bake for 30 minutes. Then continue baking for another 10 minutes uncovered, or until the crust becomes deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 6: Cool Before Slicing
Transfer the bread to a cooling rack immediately after baking. Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Cooling helps the interior finish setting and improves the overall texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with butter, olive oil, or your favorite fruit preserves. This bread also pairs beautifully with soups, chili, pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, and fresh salads. It makes excellent sandwiches and delicious garlic bread.
Storage Tips
Store the cooled bread in a paper bag or bread box at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly and freeze for up to three months. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster to restore their crisp crust.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh instant yeast for the best rise.
- Do not add too much flour; the dough should remain sticky.
- A cast-iron skillet creates an exceptional crispy crust.
- Allow the full resting time for maximum flavor and texture.
- Cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy interior.
Variations
For extra flavor, add chopped rosemary, thyme, roasted garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar, cracked black pepper, or everything bagel seasoning. You can also substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 170
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg