This simple no-knead bread recipe requires just four basic ingredients and minimal effort, resulting in a golden, artisan-style loaf with a crispy crust and soft, airy interior. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a hassle-free homemade bread option!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This no-knead artisan bread is the perfect balance of simplicity and deliciousness. With just a few basic ingredients—flour, water, yeast, and salt—you can make your own homemade bread that rivals those found in artisan bakeries. The best part? No kneading is required! The dough rises slowly over 12 to 18 hours, developing a tangy, complex flavor that’s hard to beat. Once baked, it forms a crispy, golden-brown crust with a soft, airy interior—perfect for sandwiches, toasts, or just enjoying with butter.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water
- 1 teaspoon (3g) active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Stir to distribute the ingredients evenly. Add the warm water (around 100-110°F or 38-43°C) and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. No kneading needed—just ensure all the flour is incorporated.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it sit at room temperature (70°F or 21°C) for 12 to 18 hours. The dough will expand, become bubbly, and develop a tangy flavor. If your kitchen is cooler, you may need closer to 18 hours for a full rise. A longer rise time improves texture and flavor.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
After rising, the dough will be sticky and soft. Lightly flour your hands and a clean surface, then gently shape the dough into a round loaf. Don’t knead—just fold the edges over a few times to create surface tension. Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper and let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour while preheating the oven.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Dutch Oven
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven (or another heavy oven-safe pot with a lid) inside to preheat for at least 30 minutes. This creates steam, giving the bread a crispy crust.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Carefully transfer the dough (with the parchment paper) into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and place it on a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to allow the texture to set.
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
- Total time: 12-18 hours (including rise time)
- Servings: 12 servings
- Calories: 120 kcal per serving
Variations
- Herbed Artisan Bread: Add dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the flour mixture for a herby twist.
- Whole Wheat Version: Replace part or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, heartier flavor.
- Garlic and Cheese: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic for a savory, cheesy bread.
- Add-ins: Toss in some seeds like sunflower or sesame seeds, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a unique variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel to keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To bring back the crispy crust, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
FAQs
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should have doubled in size and be bubbly and sticky when you touch it.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast works just as well in this recipe. You don’t need to activate it in warm water like active dry yeast.
Why is my dough so sticky?
Don’t worry, sticky dough is normal for no-knead bread. It’s important not to add too much flour, as that will affect the texture.
Can I use a regular pot instead of a Dutch oven?
While a Dutch oven is ideal for creating steam, you can use any oven-safe pot with a lid. Make sure the pot is heavy enough to distribute the heat evenly.
How can I achieve a crispy crust?
Preheating the Dutch oven and baking the bread with the lid on ensures steam is trapped, which gives the crust its crispy texture.
Can I add other ingredients like herbs or cheese to the dough?
Absolutely! You can incorporate ingredients like fresh herbs, garlic, or cheese into the dough for added flavor.
Can I make this bread with gluten-free flour?
Gluten-free flour should work, but you may need to adjust the water content. It’s best to use a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread.
How long does the bread stay fresh?
This bread is best eaten within 3 days for optimal freshness, but it can last up to a week if stored properly.
Why is my bread not rising?
If the dough isn’t rising, it could be due to expired yeast or the dough being too cold. Try moving it to a warmer spot.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
Tap the bottom of the bread—if it sounds hollow, it’s ready. You can also check the internal temperature, which should be around 200°F (93°C).
Conclusion
This no-knead artisan bread is a must-try for anyone looking for an easy yet delicious homemade bread recipe. With minimal effort and just four ingredients, you can create a golden, crusty loaf with a soft, airy interior. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as part of your next meal!
Print
No-Knead Artisan Bread
- Total Time: 12-18 hours (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No-Knead Artisan Bread recipe is simple and requires only four basic ingredients. It delivers a golden, crispy loaf with a soft, airy interior, ideal for beginners or anyone seeking a hassle-free homemade bread. With minimal effort and a long rise time, you’ll have delicious, fresh bread without any kneading.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water
- 1 teaspoon (3g) active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Stir to distribute. Add warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms. No kneading is necessary.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover and let the dough rise for 12 to 18 hours at room temperature, until bubbly and doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Once risen, flour hands and a surface, then shape the dough into a round loaf. Place on parchment paper and let rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Preheat the Oven and Dutch Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Preheat the Dutch oven inside for 30 minutes.
- Bake the Bread: Transfer dough into the hot Dutch oven with parchment paper. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For best results, let the dough ferment for 18 hours to develop a more flavorful loaf.
- Be sure to use fresh yeast for the best rise and texture.
- Allow the bread to cool fully to set the texture before cutting.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: No-Knead
- Cuisine: American, European
