Save to Pinterest 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
- 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.
Save to Pinterest 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
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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.