Easy No Knead Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Easy No Knead Bread recipe offers a simple way to enjoy fresh, homemade bread with minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and no kneading required, it’s perfect for beginner bakers or anyone short on time. The result is a crusty, golden loaf with a soft, airy interior.

Ingredients

• 1½ tbsp flour, for dusting
• 2 tsp cooking or kosher salt
• 1½ cups very warm tap water
• 2 tsp instant or rapid rise yeast
• 3 cups flour, bread or plain/all purpose

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
2. Step 2: Add the very warm water and mix with a wooden spoon until all the flour is incorporated. The dough will be sticky but not runny. Adjust water or flour as needed.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours, until it doubles in size and looks bubbly. If it’s not rising, move it to a warmer spot.
4. Step 4: For enhanced flavor, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days. If refrigeration is used, let the dough sit at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes before baking.
5. Step 5: Preheat a Dutch oven with its lid in the oven at 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle flour on a surface and shape the dough by folding the edges inward. Place the dough seam-side down onto parchment paper and form it into a roundish shape.
7. Step 7: Carefully place the dough with the parchment paper into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Step 8: Remove the lid and bake uncovered for another 12 minutes, until the bread is golden brown.
9. Step 9: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a rack before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Use bread flour for a chewier texture or all-purpose flour for a softer loaf.
• Adding a tablespoon of honey or sugar can give the bread a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
• Use a cast iron skillet instead of a Dutch oven if you don’t have one.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight bag or container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, toast slices or warm the whole loaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but it should be dissolved in warm water first and allowed to proof for about 5-10 minutes before mixing with the dry ingredients.

Do I have to use a Dutch oven?

While a Dutch oven helps create steam for a crispy crust, you can bake the bread on a baking stone or baking sheet covered with an oven-safe bowl or pan to trap moisture.

Easy No Knead Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 215 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 2 hours 57 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This easy no-knead bread recipe is perfect for home bakers looking for a simple and delicious loaf with minimal effort. Using a slow-rise method, the dough develops great flavor and texture without the need for kneading. Baked in a preheated Dutch oven, the bread comes out with a crispy crust and chewy interior, ideal for sandwiches or serving alongside your favorite meals.

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Ingredients

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For the Dough

• 1½ tbsp flour, for dusting
• 2 tsp cooking or kosher salt
• 1½ cups very warm tap water
• 2 tsp instant or rapid rise yeast
• 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour

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Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast, and salt until well combined.
2. Add water and mix: Pour in the very warm tap water and mix everything with a wooden spoon until all the flour is incorporated into a sticky dough. Avoid adding too much water; the dough should be sticky but not runny. Adjust water or flour slightly if needed.
3. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl and leave the dough to rise at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours, until it doubles in size and exhibits bubbles on the surface indicating fermentation. If your room is cool, place the bowl in a warmer spot to encourage rising.
4. Optional cold fermentation: For enhanced flavor, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days. If you choose this, bring the dough to room temperature for 45–60 minutes before proceeding.
5. Preheat the Dutch oven: Place a Dutch oven with its lid in your oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes to ensure it is very hot before baking.
6. Shape the dough: Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Transfer the dough onto the surface and fold the edges inward to shape it into a round loaf. Place the shaped dough seam-side down onto a piece of parchment paper.
7. Bake the bread: Carefully lift the parchment paper with the dough and place it inside the preheated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Finish baking uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking the bread for an additional 12 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown crust.
9. Cool before slicing: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing to ensure the best texture.

Notes

• The long rise and optional refrigeration improves the bread’s flavor and crust texture.
• Using a Dutch oven traps steam for a crisp crust similar to artisan bread.
• If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast but activate it first in warm water for 5-10 minutes.
• Adjust water slightly based on your flour type or humidity; the dough should be sticky but manageable.
• Letting the bread cool fully before slicing avoids a gummy interior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 42 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: no knead bread recipe, easy homemade bread, Dutch oven bread, artisan bread, simple bread recipe