In a large bowl, add the yeast and lukewarm water and stir. Allow to sit for 2 minutes.
Add the flour and salt, stir with a wooden spoon to blend. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow to rest for 8 hours, 14-18 hours preferably, at room temperature.
Lemon Sugar
Zest a large lemon into 1/3 cup granulated sugar in a small bowl. Use your fingers to rub the lemon into the sugar.
Bread Assembly
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Carefully stretch the bread dough into a square. Sprinkle with half of the lemon sugar and 1/2 cup of blueberries.
Fold 1/3 of the dough over.
Top with 1/2 of the remaining lemon sugar & blueberries.
Fold 1/3 of the dough over to cover the blueberries. Top with remaining blueberries and lemon sugar.
Carefully roll the dough, pinching the ends as you go to enclose the fruit. Add any blueberries that pop out.
Carefully form a ball. Pinch any areas that have opened. Place in a bread banneton basket and pinch any open seams. Cover with a damp towel or disposable shower cap (I like this method so I can see the dough), or leave on a floured surface and cover with a lightly floured tea towel. Let the dough rest 1-2 hours at room temperature.
Preheat oven to 475ºF with the cast iron Dutch oven inside for 30-45 minutes.
Turn the dough out of proofing basket seam side down on a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone bread sling (shown above). Carefully lower into the hot Dutch oven. Use a bread lame, razor blade, or a sharp knife to score the top of the dough. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Remove the lid and continue baking 15-20 minutes longer. Remove and allow to cool 30 minutes, or completely, on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Tips for Storing
Store at room temperature in a plastic bag, airtight container, or wrapped in foil for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, freeze slices individually and reheat in the toaster.
Avoid refrigerating, as it can dry out the bread faster.
Revive a day-old loaf by wrapping in foil and warming in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
FAQ’sCan I use frozen blueberries? Yes, but keep them frozen when adding to the dough to prevent extra liquid.Do I need a Dutch oven? A Dutch oven is ideal for artisan bread, but you can also bake on a preheated baking stone with a pan of water in the oven for steam.How long does the dough need to rise? Ideally 12–18 hours at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.Can I add more sugar to make it sweeter? Yes, but keep in mind the blueberries already add natural sweetness.What’s the best way to serve this bread? Delicious warm with butter, toasted with cream cheese, a slather of lemon curd, or even as the base for French toast.