No-knead bread is the perfect solution for anyone who loves homemade bread without the hassle of kneading. With just four simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can achieve a rustic, bakery-quality loaf with a crispy crust and soft, airy interior.
This recipe is ideal for beginners, requiring only a long fermentation period to develop incredible flavor and texture. The result? A golden, crusty bread that tastes like it came from an artisan bakery.
If you’re new to bread-making or just want a foolproof, hands-off method, this no-knead bread is a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love This No-Knead Bread
✔ Minimal Effort – No kneading required! The dough rises naturally.
✔ 4 Simple Ingredients – No fancy ingredients or equipment needed.
✔ Amazing Texture – A crispy crust with a soft and chewy center.
✔ Versatile & Customizable – Great for sandwiches, soups, or just warm with butter.
✔ Perfect for Beginners – Easy, forgiving, and hard to mess up.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure for the bread.
- 1 ½ cups warm water – Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough.
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast – Creates a light and fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, and salt until well combined.
Step 2: Add Warm Water
- Pour in warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. This is normal!
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
- Let the dough rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours. The longer it sits, the better the flavor!
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Once risen, the dough should be bubbly and doubled in size.
- Lightly flour a surface and gently shape the dough into a round loaf.
- Avoid overhandling—just form it into a rough ball.
Step 5: Preheat the Dutch Oven
- Place a Dutch oven with a lid inside your oven.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Bake Covered
- Carefully place the dough into the preheated Dutch oven and cover with the lid.
- Bake at 450°F for 30 minutes.
Step 7: Bake Uncovered
- Remove the lid and bake for another 15 minutes.
- The crust should turn a deep golden brown.
Step 8: Let the Bread Cool
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack.
- Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tips for Perfect No-Knead Bread
✔ Use Fresh Yeast – Expired yeast won’t rise properly. Test it by dissolving a little in warm water with a pinch of sugar—if it foams, it’s active.
✔ Longer Rise = Better Flavor – Allowing at least 12 hours of rise time deepens the flavor and creates a chewier texture.
✔ Preheat Your Dutch Oven – This traps steam, helping form the bread’s signature crispy crust.
✔ Score the Dough – A small slit on top of the dough before baking helps control how the bread expands.
✔ Let the Bread Cool – Resist cutting into it immediately! Letting it cool prevents a gummy texture inside.
Serving Suggestions
This homemade no-knead bread is incredibly versatile! Try it with:
- Butter & Jam – A classic for breakfast or snacks.
- Dipped into Soups & Stews – Perfect for soaking up flavors.
- Rustic Sandwiches – Great with deli meats, cheese, and veggies.
- Olive Oil & Herbs – Serve with olive oil, salt, and rosemary for an appetizer.
- Avocado Toast – Top with mashed avocado, olive oil, and red pepper flakes.
FAQs About No-Knead Bread
1. Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?
Yes! Use a cast iron skillet with foil, a pizza stone, or an oven-safe pot with a lid.
2. How long does no-knead bread last?
Store at room temperature in a paper bag or bread box for 2-3 days. Avoid plastic bags, as they make the crust soggy.
3. Can I freeze no-knead bread?
Yes! Wrap in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
4. Can I add mix-ins like cheese or herbs?
Absolutely! Try adding:
- Cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or feta)
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil)
- Garlic or sun-dried tomatoes
5. Why is my bread dense?
Common reasons include:
- Expired yeast
- Not letting the dough rise long enough
- Too much flour
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~160 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fats | 1g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Conclusion
Making homemade no-knead bread is easier than you think! With just four ingredients, no kneading, and a long fermentation for flavor, you’ll get a bakery-style loaf with a crispy crust and soft, chewy center.
Perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or dipping into soups, this bread will become a staple in your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to store-bought bread again!