Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Kneading Required: Let time do the work—no need for intensive mixing or kneading.
- Crispy, Golden Crust: Baking in a preheated Dutch oven creates a beautiful crust.
- Soft and Airy Interior: The long fermentation develops a perfect chewy texture.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just flour, water, yeast, and salt—no fancy ingredients needed!
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions
1. Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt.
- Add warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
2. First Rise (12-18 Hours)
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours.
- The dough should be bubbly and doubled in size.
3. Shape the Dough
- Lightly flour a surface and turn out the dough.
- Gently shape it into a round loaf, being careful not to deflate too much air.
4. Preheat the Dutch Oven
- Place a Dutch oven (with lid) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C) for 30 minutes.
5. Bake the Bread
- Carefully place the dough into the hot Dutch oven.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Rise Time: 12-18 hours
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: Up to 19 hours
Variations
- Whole Wheat Version: Substitute 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Garlic & Herb: Mix in 1 teaspoon dried herbs and 2 minced garlic cloves for an aromatic loaf.
- Cheesy Bread: Fold in ½ cup shredded cheese before the first rise for a cheesy twist.
- Seeded Crust: Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top before baking for extra crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in a bread bag or wrapped in a towel for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Reheating: Toast slices or warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to refresh.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Use the same amount, and no need to activate it in water first.
2. What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
Use a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid or an inverted baking sheet on top.
3. How do I know when the bread is done?
Tap the bottom—it should sound hollow.
4. Can I speed up the rising time?
Yes, place the dough in a warm (but not hot) area, like inside an oven with the light on.
5. Why is my dough so sticky?
No-knead dough is naturally sticky; dusting with flour will help when shaping.
6. Can I let it rise for more than 18 hours?
Yes, but any longer than 24 hours may result in over-fermentation.
7. Should I score the dough before baking?
Yes, scoring helps control expansion, but it’s optional.
8. Can I add sugar to the dough?
Yes, a teaspoon of sugar can enhance browning and flavor.
9. Why is my crust too hard?
Let the bread cool completely; steam inside softens the crust naturally.
10. Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Add up to ½ cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.
Conclusion
This Brilliant No-Knead Bread is an easy, hands-off way to make a bakery-style loaf at home. With a crispy crust, airy crumb, and incredible depth of flavor, it’s a must-try for any bread lover. Give it a go and enjoy fresh, homemade bread with minimal effort!
Brilliant No-Knead Bread
- Total Time: Up to 19 hours
- Yield: 8 Servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This No-Knead Bread is an effortless way to make a crusty, artisan-style loaf at home with just four simple ingredients. The long fermentation develops deep flavor, while baking in a Dutch oven creates a perfect golden crust. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, this foolproof bread recipe guarantees bakery-quality results with minimal effort!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, and salt.
- Add warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms—no kneading required!
2. First Rise (12-18 Hours)
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours until bubbly and doubled in size.
3. Shape the Dough
- Lightly flour a surface and turn out the dough.
- Gently shape into a round loaf, being careful not to deflate too much air.
4. Preheat the Dutch Oven
- Place a Dutch oven (with lid) in the oven.
- Preheat to 450°F (232°C) for 30 minutes.
5. Bake the Bread
- Carefully place the dough into the hot Dutch oven.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for 15 more minutes until golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack.
- Let it cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
Notes
- Whole Wheat Version: Substitute 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Garlic & Herb: Mix in 1 teaspoon dried herbs and 2 minced garlic cloves for an aromatic loaf.
- Cheesy Bread: Fold in ½ cup shredded cheese before the first rise for a cheesy twist.
- Seeded Crust: Sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top before baking for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Artisan
