No-Knead Bread Recipe : Effortless Artisan Loaf at Home

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Making bread at home has never been easier than with this no-knead bread recipe. Designed for anyone seeking a foolproof way to create a perfect crusty loaf, this method eliminates the need for intensive mixing or kneading. With just four basic ingredientsā€”flour, water, yeast, and saltā€”youā€™ll be amazed at the professional-level results you can achieve right in your own kitchen.

This recipe is ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. The long resting time allows the dough to develop incredible flavor and texture, giving you an artisan-quality bread without any fuss. Whether youā€™re serving it alongside soups, stews, or simply enjoying it fresh with butter, this no-knead bread is bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Why You Will Love Making This RecipeĀ 

  1. Effortless Preparation: With no kneading required, this recipe is perfect for busy days or novice bakers looking for an easy bread-making experience.
  2. Minimal Ingredients: You only need four pantry staples to whip up this delicious bread.
  3. Artisan Results at Home: The long fermentation process creates a rustic loaf with a golden, crackling crust and a soft, airy interior.
  4. Versatile Pairing Options: This bread complements a variety of dishes, from hearty stews to simple dips.
  5. Customizable: Add herbs, seeds, or cheese to the dough for a unique twist.

Making this bread requires little more than patience as the dough rests. The result is well worth the waitā€”an impressive loaf that rivals any bakeryā€™s offerings.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 Ā½ teaspoons salt
  • Ā¼ teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 Ā½ cups warm water

Equipment Used

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
  • Dutch oven with lid
  • Parchment paper

Directions & InstructionsĀ 

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast. Slowly add warm water, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
  2. First Rise: Let the dough rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours until it doubles in size and has a bubbly surface.
  3. Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a surface and turn out the dough. Shape it into a ball without kneading too much. Place it on a piece of parchment paper.
  4. Second Rise: Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 450Ā°F. Place your Dutch oven inside the oven to heat as well.
  5. Bake: Carefully transfer the dough (with parchment) into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
  6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutritional InformationĀ 

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 120
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 0.5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 220mg

Prep Time and Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Resting Time: 12-18 hours
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes

Variations

  • Herb-Infused Bread: Add dried rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist.
  • Cheesy Bread: Mix in shredded Parmesan or cheddar for a savory flavor.
  • Seeded Bread: Top the dough with sesame or poppy seeds before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (200 words)

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, but the texture will be denser. Use half whole wheat and half all-purpose for the best results.

Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Itā€™s better to freeze the baked loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic and store for up to three months.

Q: What if I donā€™t have a Dutch oven?
A: You can use any oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid.

Pro Tips By Elisa

  • Use warm, not hot, water to activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Preheat the Dutch oven to ensure a crispy crust.
  • Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
  • Serve alongside soups like tomato basil or minestrone.
  • Toast slices and top with avocado or your favorite spread.

No-Knead Bread Recipe

Elisa
Making bread at home has never been easier than with this no-knead bread recipe. Designed for anyone seeking a foolproof way to create a perfect crusty loaf, this method eliminates the need for intensive mixing or kneading.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine American
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
  • Dutch oven with lid
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
Ā Ā 

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 Ā½ teaspoons salt
  • Ā¼ teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 Ā½ cups warm water

Instructions
Ā 

  • Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast. Slowly add warm water, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
  • First Rise: Let the dough rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours until it doubles in size and has a bubbly surface.
  • Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a surface and turn out the dough. Shape it into a ball without kneading too much. Place it on a piece of parchment paper.
  • Second Rise: Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 450Ā°F. Place your Dutch oven inside the oven to heat as well.
  • Bake: Carefully transfer the dough (with parchment) into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
  • Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Use warm, not hot, water to activate the yeast without killing it.
Preheat the Dutch oven to ensure a crispy crust.
Keyword Homemade Bread Easy