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Outdoor Boys Bread

Rustic no-fuss bread with a golden-brown crust and open crumb, perfect for campfire or Dutch oven baking.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 1 loaf
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Rustic European
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

Main
  • All-purpose flour: 500 grams 3.5 cups
  • Water: 350 grams 1.5 cups
  • Sea salt: 10 grams 1.75 teaspoons
  • Active dry yeast: 0.25 teaspoon a small pinch

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Kitchen scale
  • Dutch oven or covered baking vessel
  • Bench scraper or dough knife
  • Banneton proofing basket or bowl lined with a floured cloth
  • Scoring knife or bread lame
  • Instant read thermometer
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine 500 grams all-purpose flour, 350 grams water, and 0.25 teaspoon active dry yeast; stir until no dry flour remains.
  2. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes for autolyse.
  3. Sprinkle 10 grams sea salt and add 10 grams water to the dough; pinch and fold for about 2 minutes until the salt is fully incorporated.
  4. Perform a stretch and fold every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours during bulk fermentation, then let the dough rest undisturbed for an additional 1 to 2 hours until it increases in volume by 50 to 75 percent.
  5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pre-shape into a loose ball; rest for 20 to 30 minutes, then shape into a tight round and place seam-side up in a floured banneton; cover and refrigerate for 12 to 48 hours.
  6. About 30 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 475°F with a Dutch oven inside.
  7. Remove the dough from the refrigerator, turn it onto parchment, score a 0.5-inch deep slash at a 30-degree angle, place into the preheated Dutch oven, cover and bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown.
  9. Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and cool on a rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

Plan for 12 to 48 hours of cold fermentation for optimal flavor and let the bread cool completely before slicing to ensure a set crumb.