Rustic Cast-Iron Bread: Simple, Artisan, Oven-Baked Perfection

Introduction

Discover the joy of baking a beautifully crusty, soft-centered bread right in your oven using only a handful of pantry staples and a cast-iron pot. This method brings bakery-style flavor to your home kitchen—with minimal fuss and maximum heart.

Why Cast-Iron Makes the Difference

A preheated cast-iron pot traps steam and distributes heat evenly, yielding a loaf with a crackly golden crust and tender crumb. This technique is beloved by seasoned bakers and beginners alike, reminiscent of the Dutch oven method honored in Modernist Bread.

Ingredients (Yields One Round Loaf)

• 25 g fresh yeast or 7 g active dry yeast (or 1 tsp instant yeast)
• 230 ml lukewarm water (around 37 °C)
• 360 g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt (approx. 5 g)
• A drizzle of neutral oil (for the pot)
• 1 tsp honey (optional, for activating the yeast)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: Stir yeast into warm water; add honey and let sit until foamy (5–10 min).
2. Mix the dough: Gently stir in flour and salt until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough forms.
3. First rise: Cover with a cloth and let rise until doubled—about 1–2 hours, depending on warmth.
4. Shape: Sprinkle flour on your work surface, turn out the dough, fold the edges inward to form a round loaf. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat: Meanwhile, place your cast-iron pot (with lid) into a 230 °C oven for at least 15 minutes.
6. Bake: Carefully remove the hot pot, oil the bottom lightly, transfer the dough (seam side up). Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake another 15 minutes for a golden crust.
7. Cool: Gently lift the bread out and let it cool before slicing—even a short rest enhances texture.

Tips for a Flawless Loaf

• Wetting your fingers slightly can help handle sticky dough with ease.
• For extra aroma, stir in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the flour.
• Want to streamline? Try a no-knead overnight version—mix and leave to rise slowly for deeper flavor.

Serving & Styling Ideas for Stekgrytan.se

• Showcase the bread in your CS Solingen cast-iron set—perhaps in one of the smaller casseroles or skillets from the set, topped with melting butter or served alongside Nordic cheeses and cured meats.
• Pair with soft herb butter or a drizzle of infused olive oil for added visual and taste appeal.