Step 1

In a large bowl, combine water, yeast, and sugar. Allow to sit and “bloom” for 2-3 minutes.

Step 2

Add flour and salt. Knead until the dough forms a ball and is no longer sticking to the sides of the bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and set aside while the oven is preheating.

Step 3

Place dutch oven with lid in the oven. Preheat oven to 450 degrees for 15 minutes.

Step 4

About 3-4 minutes before starting the bake, divide bread dough in half. Shape one half into a round. Return the other half of dough to bowl and cover.

Step 5

Once oven is hot, carefully remove the dutch oven and place it on your stove. While still using oven mitts, remove the lid of the pot.

Step 6

Place the shaped dough into the hot pot and use oven mitts to replace the lid. Place the whole pot into the oven and cook for 25 minutes.

Step 7

Once bread has cooked for 20 minutes, remove the lid and cook for an additional 15 minutes.

Step 8

Once done, carefully remove from oven and use a tong to remove the loaf. Place loaf on a cooling rack.

Step 9

While pan is still hot, add the second half of the dough. Cover and place in the oven to cook for 25 minutes, then remove the lid and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 10

Cool for 10 minutes before slicing.