Basic Bread Recipe for Beginners: 3 Hours 35 Mins

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 500g bread flour, 7g instant yeast, 10g sea salt, and 5g sugar. Pour in 350ml warm water (105°F to 110°F) and stir with a sturdy spoon until no dry streaks of flour remain. Note: This initial mix allows the flour to begin hydrating before the heavy kneading starts.
2. Turn the dough onto a clean surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and springs back when poked. If it feels too sticky, resist the urge to dump more flour on it; just keep kneading and the dough texture will stabilize.
3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rest for about 1 hour 30 mins until it has doubled in size.
4. Gently deflate the dough and shape it into a tight ball by pulling the edges toward the center. Flip it over so the seam is on the bottom and use your palms to rotate it on the counter, creating surface tension.
5. Place it on a piece of parchment paper, cover it, and let it rise for another 1 hour 15 mins until it looks puffy and slightly translucent.
6. While the dough proofs, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with your Dutch oven inside. Carefully score the top of the dough with a sharp knife and lower it into the hot pot using the parchment paper. Bake with the lid on for 25 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 20 minutes until the crust is deep mahogany and sounds hollow when tapped.