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Simple Crusty Bread

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups lukewarm water
  • 1 1/2 tbsp yeast (2 packets dry yeast)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 6 1/2 cups flour

Instructions

For Dough

  • Mix water, yeast, and salt, and let sit to become foamy as you measure your flour. Add yeast mixture into flour and stir well with a large spatula. Cover in saran wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm place for 2-5 hours. Bake at this point or refrigerate, covered, for up to two weeks.

To Bake

  • Cut off a one pound piece of dough with kitchen scissors or a bench scraper (use a large knife in a pinch). Turn dough in hands to create a stretched surface. Place dough on a parchment lined baking sheet and allow to rise for 40 minutes (add one hour of rise time if refrigerated)
  • Preheat oven to 450 with a broiler pan on bottom rack and cast iron or pizza stone on middle rack. Cut ΒΌ inch deep slashes in top of loaf with a serrated knife or razor and place dough ball on preheated pizza stone using the parchment paper. Pour a cup of water in broiler pan to create steam and bake for 20-25 minutes, pulling off parchment paper for final 5 minutes.

For Pizza

  • Dough makes 3-4 large pizzas. Form smaller dough balls before second rise for easier rolling. Roll out on well floured surface, top with your favorite toppings, and bake.