Step 1

In a bowl, stir the flour, salt, yeast and water until combined. The dough should look dry and shaggy - if it looks wet and sticky instead stir in an additional 1/4 cup of flour. Cover with plastic wrap and rest at room temperature for 8-24 hours.

Step 2

Turn dough out onto a well floured surface and form a ball. (Place on parchment paper if desired.)

Step 3

Rest for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, place an oven safe baking dish with high sides into the oven and preheat to 450 degrees.

Step 4

Slash an "X" on top of the bread. Carefully transfer to baking dish and cover. (If using parchment paper, you can pick up the edges of the paper and transfer the dough and the paper together into the baking dish.)

Step 5

Bake covered 30 minutes. Uncover and bake about 15 more minutes until quite golden brown.

Step 6

Cool before slicing.