Step 2

In a heavy bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, stir together water, yeast, sugar and 1 cup All-Purpose flour. Allow to proof at least 5 minutes.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and oil, add to yeast mixture.

Step 8

Add 1 1/2 cups flour, cornmeal, and salt. Stir until mixture is well blended.

Step 11

Add 1/2 cup flour, knead 3-5 minutes.

Step 14

cover loosely and let rise for 90 minutes.

Step 17

Scrape down bowl to remove all dough and form into a ball, dusting the surface with flour.

Step 20

Set on floured surface and let rise 30 minutes.

Step 23

While dough is rising, set a 5 quart Dutch Oven inside your oven and preheat to 450 F

Step 26

Carefully remove Dutch Oven from heat and slide dough into its center. Slash surface of dough with a sharp knife.

Step 29

Return Dutch Oven to oven and bake covered for 30 minutes.

Step 32

Remove lid from Dutch Oven and bake an additional 7 minutes uncovered.

Step 35

Remove from oven and turn bread out onto a wire rack to cool.