Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, chopped fresh rosemary (if using), and kosher salt. Add the room temperature beer and mix with a spatula until just combined. The dough will be shaggy. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours, ideally overnight (12-18 hours).
- After the long rise, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a large (5-6 quart) Dutch oven with its lid into the preheating oven and let it preheat for 30 minutes. This is crucial for a crispy crust.
- Generously dust a clean work surface with more all-purpose flour. Scrape the sticky, loose dough out of the bowl onto the floured surface. Using floured hands, gently form the dough into a loose ball. Carefully transfer the dough ball onto a piece of parchment paper. Cover it loosely and allow it to rise for another 1 hour, or until it has noticeably doubled in size.
- When ready to bake, carefully lift the dough (using the parchment paper as a sling) and gently place it into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid.
- Bake the bread, covered, for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the lid and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the bread has a deep, golden-brown crust.
- Carefully remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Using the parchment paper, lift the bread out and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy warm with softened butter and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Video
Notes
- For the crispiest crust, ensure your Dutch oven is thoroughly preheated for the full 30 minutes before adding the dough. I once rushed this step, and the crust wasn't as satisfyingly crisp.
- If you don't have beer, warm water works perfectly fine. The beer adds a subtle depth of flavor but is not essential for the structure.
- To check for doneness, the internal temperature of the bread should reach 200-210°F (93-99°C). Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- If you don't have beer, warm water works perfectly fine. The beer adds a subtle depth of flavor but is not essential for the structure.
- To check for doneness, the internal temperature of the bread should reach 200-210°F (93-99°C). Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
