No-Knead Bread Recipe

This easy no-knead bread recipe yields a rustic, crusty loaf with a soft, airy interior. Made with simple ingredients like bread flour, yeast, and olive oil, this homemade bread is baked in a preheated Dutch oven to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced baker, this no-knead bread is ideal for those looking for a hassle-free yet delicious bread-making experience. The dough requires minimal hands-on time, and it can be refrigerated for enhanced flavor. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping in soups, or enjoying with butter, this bread is a must-try for any bread lover.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast (active or rapid rise also works)
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 ½ cups barely warm water (about 100°F)
• 3 cups bread flour (360 grams)
• 2 teaspoons salt (see notes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is activated.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Add the olive oil and the yeast mixture, stirring with a silicone spatula until all the flour is incorporated and the dough is sticky.
3. Gently shape the dough into a rough ball. Spray the top with cooking spray, then cover with plastic wrap and a dish towel. Let the dough rise for 2-3 hours or until it has doubled in size. (See notes for additional rising tips.)
4. For enhanced flavor, transfer the dough to the fridge for up to 3 days. It may rise more and deflate slightly, but this is normal. After refrigerating, proceed with the next steps.
5. Once ready, use a silicone spatula to scrape the dough onto a floured piece of parchment paper. Fold the dough edges toward the center to form a sturdier ball. Spray with nonstick spray and loosely cover with plastic wrap. Let the dough rest for 45 minutes while you preheat the oven.
6. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place an empty Dutch oven inside to preheat as well. (Check your Dutch oven’s instructions to ensure preheating is safe without contents.)
7. Once the dough has rested, remove the plastic wrap. Using oven mitts, carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven and place the dough with the parchment paper into it. Cover with the lid and transfer it to the oven.
8. Bake for 40 minutes. Afterward, remove the Dutch oven from the oven and brush the top of the bread with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to achieve a golden-brown crust.
9. Return the bread to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
10. Let the bread cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This no-knead bread is the perfect combination of simplicity and deliciousness. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you’ll enjoy a rustic, crusty loaf that’s soft and airy on the inside. The method allows for a long rise, which develops the bread’s flavor, while the Dutch oven ensures an even bake with a beautiful golden crust. It’s the ideal bread for any occasion.

Tips

• Dough Handling: Since the dough is sticky, avoid using your hands to shape it. A silicone spatula works best for folding and handling.
• Rising Tip: For best results, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cold, consider turning the oven on for a few minutes to warm it slightly, then turning it off before placing the dough to rise.
• Flavor Development: Allowing the dough to rise in the fridge for a couple of days will result in a richer, more complex flavor. However, if you’re in a hurry, a shorter rise will still yield great results.

Variations and Substitutions

• Flour: You can substitute up to half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a denser, heartier loaf.
• Oil: Swap the olive oil with melted butter for a richer flavor, or use vegetable oil if preferred.
• Add-ins: Try adding herbs (like rosemary or thyme) or cheese to the dough for a flavorful twist. You can also mix in seeds or nuts before baking.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a Dutch oven? Yes! If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can bake the bread on a baking sheet. To mimic the effect of the Dutch oven, place a shallow pan with water on the lower rack of the oven to create steam, which helps the bread develop a crispy crust.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast? Yes, active dry yeast will work as a substitute for instant yeast. Just activate it in warm water with the sugar first and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before proceeding with the recipe.

How long will this bread last? This bread is best enjoyed within 3-4 days. Store it in a bread box or wrap it in a cloth to keep the crust crispy. If you need to store it longer, slice and freeze individual pieces for later.

Serving Suggestions

This rustic no-knead bread is perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside a hearty soup, with butter, or as a base for sandwiches. You can also toast slices for a delicious breakfast, topped with jam, honey, or avocado.