Best Easy No-Knead Bread (Printable Version)

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

# 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:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, instant yeast, and salt until evenly distributed.
02 - Add lukewarm water and mix using a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky, shaggy dough forms.
03 - 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.
04 - 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.
05 - Place dough seam-side down on parchment paper, cover with a towel, and let rest for 30 to 60 minutes while preheating the oven.
06 - Preheat oven to 450°F and place a Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot inside for at least 30 minutes.
07 - Carefully remove the hot pot, lift dough with parchment paper, and lower both into the pot. Cover with the lid.
08 - Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on to develop crust and oven spring.
09 - Remove lid and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to achieve golden brown, crusty exterior.
10 - Transfer the loaf to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Minimal effort required
  • Simple ingredients perfect for beginners and bread enthusiasts alike
02 -
  • For added flavor, mix in herbs, seeds, or roasted garlic before the first rise.
  • For a chewier crust, spray the dough lightly with water before baking.
03 -
  • Use a Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam for a crisp crust.
  • Don't skip the resting period to develop flavor and texture.
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