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Easy No Knead Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 215 reviews
  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 2 hours 57 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

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Find it online: https://plumandpan.com/easy-no-knead-bread-recipe/