Best Easy No-Knead Bread

Featured in: Breads & Sweet Bakes

This effortless bread features a no-knead method resulting in a beautifully crusty and airy loaf. Combining basic ingredients like flour, yeast, salt, and lukewarm water, the dough requires a long resting period to develop flavor and texture naturally. Baking in a preheated Dutch oven creates a golden, crusty exterior and soft interior, ideal for beginners or anyone craving homemade artisan-style bread.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 13:36:00 GMT
Golden-crusted, airy loaf of The Best Easy No-Knead Bread cooling on a wire rack, ready to slice. Save to Pinterest
Golden-crusted, airy loaf of The Best Easy No-Knead Bread cooling on a wire rack, ready to slice. | sonicskillet.com

A wonderfully crusty, airy artisan-style bread made with minimal effort and simple ingredients—perfect for beginners and bread enthusiasts alike.

This bread has quickly become my go-to for weekday baking since it yields bakery-quality results without complicated steps.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 3 cups (375 g)
  • Instant yeast: 1/4 teaspoon (1 g)
  • Salt: 1 1/4 teaspoons (8 g)
  • Lukewarm water: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml)

Instructions

Product image
Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Step 1:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, instant yeast, and salt.
Step 2:
Add the lukewarm water and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
Step 3:
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours, until the surface is dotted with bubbles and dough has doubled in size.
Step 4:
Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it. With floured hands, fold the dough over on itself once or twice. Shape it loosely into a ball.
Step 5:
Place dough seam-side down on a piece of parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let rest for 30–60 minutes while the oven preheats.
Step 6:
Place a Dutch oven (or heavy lidded pot) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes.
Step 7:
Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Lift the dough with parchment paper and lower both into the pot. Cover with the lid.
Step 8:
Bake for 30 minutes (lid on), then remove the lid and bake another 15 minutes, until golden brown and crusty.
Step 9:
Transfer bread to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.
Product image
Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Prep ingredients, rinse produce, and dry dishes efficiently with a built-in workstation designed for streamlined cooking.
Check price on Amazon
This rustic The Best Easy No-Knead Bread boasts a beautifully crackled crust and soft, flavorful interior. Save to Pinterest
This rustic The Best Easy No-Knead Bread boasts a beautifully crackled crust and soft, flavorful interior. | sonicskillet.com

This recipe has brought the family together around the table enjoying fresh, warm bread and sharing stories.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, wooden spoon or spatula, Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot, parchment paper, kitchen towel

Allergen Information

Contains gluten (wheat) and is vegan-friendly. Always check packaging for cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Per slice (1/8 loaf): Calories 135, Total Fat 0.3 g, Carbohydrates 28 g, Protein 4 g

Close-up of freshly baked The Best Easy No-Knead Bread, offering a perfect artisan bread experience at home. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of freshly baked The Best Easy No-Knead Bread, offering a perfect artisan bread experience at home. | sonicskillet.com
Product image
Juice whole fruits and vegetables easily for fresh drinks, sauces, and nutrient-rich recipes.
Check price on Amazon

This easy no-knead bread makes bakery-quality loaves accessible to all skill levels with simple steps and rewarding results.

Recipe Questions

How does the no-knead method affect bread texture?

The extended resting time allows gluten to develop slowly, creating a light and airy crumb with minimal effort.

Why use a Dutch oven for baking?

The Dutch oven traps steam, promoting a crisp, golden crust while keeping the inside moist and fluffy.

Can I add flavors to the dough?

Yes, mixing in herbs, seeds, or roasted garlic before resting enhances aroma and taste elegantly.

What flour works best for this loaf?

All-purpose flour provides a good balance of structure and tenderness, perfect for this technique.

How long should the dough rest?

A 12 to 18-hour rest at room temperature allows the dough to ferment properly, creating bubbles and volume.

Best Easy No-Knead Bread

Craft a crusty, airy loaf with basic ingredients and simple steps, perfect for easy homemade bread.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cook Duration
45 minutes
Overall Time
55 minutes


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style International

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Details Plant-Based, No Dairy

Needed Ingredients

Dough

01 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
03 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
04 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water

Steps

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, instant yeast, and salt until evenly distributed.

Step 02

Incorporate water: Add lukewarm water and mix using a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky, shaggy dough forms.

Step 03

First fermentation: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until the dough has doubled in size and surface bubbles appear.

Step 04

Shape the dough: Lightly flour a work surface, turn dough out, and fold it over on itself once or twice with floured hands. Loosely form into a ball.

Step 05

Second rise: Place dough seam-side down on parchment paper, cover with a towel, and let rest for 30 to 60 minutes while preheating the oven.

Step 06

Preheat baking vessel: Preheat oven to 450°F and place a Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot inside for at least 30 minutes.

Step 07

Prepare for baking: Carefully remove the hot pot, lift dough with parchment paper, and lower both into the pot. Cover with the lid.

Step 08

Bake covered: Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on to develop crust and oven spring.

Step 09

Finish baking: Remove lid and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to achieve golden brown, crusty exterior.

Step 10

Cool the bread: Transfer the loaf to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Tools Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot
  • Parchment paper
  • Kitchen towel

Allergy Info

Double-check ingredients for allergens, and talk to a health expert if unsure.
  • Contains gluten (wheat).

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Nutritional info is here for reference and doesn't replace expert advice.
  • Total Calories: 135
  • Total fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 4 g