Foolproof No-Knead Bread Recipe

No-Knead Bread Recipe: Your Path to Fuss-Free Homemade Goodness

Fresh bread aromas fill the kitchen with this surprisingly simple no-knead bread recipe that will transform your baking game.

Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor in this incredible technique.

Each slice promises golden, crusty perfection with a tender interior.

Home bakers of all skill levels can master this delightful method without complicated steps.

The process requires just a few basic ingredients and some patient waiting time.

Warm, freshly baked bread waiting on your countertop is about to become your new weekend tradition.

Dive into this foolproof recipe and experience homemade bread magic that will impress everyone at the table.

Best Ways To Enjoy Quick And Easy No-Knead Bread

  • Rustic Breakfast Companion: Slice the warm bread and pair it with creamy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or your favorite morning jam for a delightful breakfast experience.
  • Hearty Soup Sidekick: Tear chunks of this crusty bread to dip into rich tomato soup, creamy chowder, or hearty vegetable stew, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
  • Gourmet Sandwich Canvas: Use thick slices as a base for artisan sandwiches, loading them with roasted vegetables, premium cheeses, or classic deli meats for a restaurant-quality lunch.
  • Cheese Board Star: Cut into rustic pieces and serve alongside a selection of cheeses, olives, and cured meats for an impressive appetizer spread that will wow your guests.

Store Quick And Easy No-Knead Bread The Right Way

  • Bread Storage Solutions: Keep Fresh and Delicious
  • Counter Storage Strategy: Place bread in a paper bag or bread box at room temperature for 2-3 days. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and speed up mold growth.
  • Refrigeration Warning: Never store homemade bread in the refrigerator, as cold temperatures dry out the bread faster and destroy its soft texture.
  • Freezing Technique: Slice bread before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Frozen bread stays fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast directly from frozen.
  • Reviving Stale Bread: Sprinkle bread with water and reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore moisture and crispness. Works like magic for day-old bread.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 40-45 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 11

Full List For Quick And Easy No-Knead Bread

For The Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the bread's sturdy structure and classic texture, choose unbleached flour for richer flavor.
  • Instant Yeast: Magical rising agent that creates those delightful air pockets, buy fresh and store in a cool, dry place.
  • Salt: Enhances overall bread flavor and controls yeast growth, use fine sea salt for more even distribution.
For The Liquid Ingredient:
  • Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps develop gluten, aim for water around body temperature (around 110°F) to ensure perfect dough development.
For Optional Serving Companions:
  • Butter, Jam: Delectable spreads that transform simple bread into a memorable culinary experience, select high-quality artisan versions for maximum enjoyment.
  • Parchment Paper: Crucial for easy dough transfer and preventing sticking, choose unbleached for best results.

Gear You’ll Need For Quick And Easy No-Knead Bread

  • Large Bowl: Essential for mixing and resting the dough, big enough to allow the dough to double in size.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring the ingredients and creating the initial shaggy dough mixture.
  • Whisk: Great for combining dry ingredients like flour, yeast, and salt evenly.
  • Plastic Wrap or Kitchen Towel: Covers the bowl during the long resting period, keeping the dough protected.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps transfer and handle the dough easily without sticking.
  • Dutch Oven or Heavy Oven-Safe Pot with Lid: Critical for creating a crispy crust and trapping steam during baking.
  • Wire Rack: Allows bread to cool properly and prevents bottom from getting soggy.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

How To Prep Quick And Easy No-Knead Bread

  • Magical Dough Creation

Mix flour, yeast, and salt in a spacious bowl. Pour warm water and stir until a wild, messy mixture forms. This isn’t about perfection – embrace the chaos! Cover the bowl and let nature work its magic for 12 hours. Watch as tiny bubbles transform your simple ingredients into a living, breathing dough.

  • Gentle Dough Shaping

Dust your workspace with a whisper of flour. Softly coax the puffy dough onto the surface. With tender movements, fold the dough into a relaxed, imperfect ball. No muscle required – just love and patience. Rest the dough on parchment paper while preparing for its grand entrance.

  • Oven Preparation

Heat your oven to a blazing 450F. Place a sturdy Dutch oven inside to become scorching hot. This is where culinary magic happens – creating that dreamy, crackling crust every bread lover craves.

  • Bread Transformation

Transfer the dough into the molten-hot pot using parchment paper as your trusty helper. Cover and let the oven work its transformative power. First 30 minutes sealed, then unveil for a golden finish. Watch as your humble ingredients become a stunning loaf.

  • Bread Celebration

Rescue your masterpiece from the oven. Let it cool and settle, allowing flavors to dance and texture to perfect itself. Slice with reverence and enjoy the fruits of your delightful bread journey.

Tips To Get The Best Quick And Easy No-Knead Bread

  • Bread Baking Brilliance: Expert Tips and Tasty Twists
  • Flour Power Precision: Use fresh, high-quality bread flour for the best texture and rise. All-purpose flour works too, but bread flour provides more protein for a chewier crumb.
  • Yeast Revival Trick: If your instant yeast is older, proof it first in warm water to ensure it's still active. A little sugar can help jumpstart its performance and guarantee a perfect rise.
  • Gluten-Free Transformation: Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free blend specifically designed for bread. Add xanthan gum for better structure and bind. Expect a slightly denser result but equally delicious outcome.
  • Flavor Boost Bonanza: Experiment with mix-ins like herbs, garlic, cheese, or seeds directly into the dough. Rosemary, thyme, or everything bagel seasoning can elevate this simple bread from basic to gourmet in seconds. Fold add-ins gently during the shaping stage to distribute evenly.
  • Moisture Magic Method: Store leftover bread in a paper bag at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze up to one month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
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Foolproof No-Knead Bread Recipe

Foolproof No-Knead Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Classic no-knead bread emerges as a simple, rustic delight for home bakers seeking minimal effort. Crisp exterior and tender crumb showcase minimal ingredients’ potential, inviting home cooks to savor fresh, aromatic bread without complicated techniques.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water
  • 2 tsps instant yeast
  • 1 ½ tsps salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Mixture Preparation: Blend flour, instant yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate warm water using a wooden spoon until a shaggy, uneven dough forms, ensuring thorough integration without over-mixing.
  2. Fermentation Phase: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture rest at room temperature. Allow 12-14 hours for natural fermentation, during which bubbles will develop and the dough will significantly expand.
  3. Dough Shaping: Lightly flour a clean surface and hands. Gently transfer the risen dough, performing soft folding motions to create a loosely rounded shape without aggressive handling. Minimal manipulation maintains the bread’s delicate structure.
  4. Preheating Preparation: Position the shaped dough on parchment paper. Concurrently, heat the oven to 450°F, placing a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven with its lid inside to reach maximum temperature for approximately 30 minutes.
  5. Baking Process: Carefully remove the scorching hot pot, cautiously lower the parchment-wrapped dough inside, and immediately cover with the lid. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover to achieve a deep golden-brown exterior with a crisp crust.
  6. Cooling and Serving: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Allow substantial cooling time to stabilize the internal structure. Slice and serve with accompanying spreads like butter, jam, or alongside robust soups and stews.

Notes

  • Manage Moisture Carefully: Control dough hydration by adding water gradually to achieve the perfect sticky yet manageable consistency without making it too wet or dry.
  • Fermentation Timing: Monitor the 12-hour resting period closely; room temperature and humidity can significantly impact rising time and bread development.
  • Prevent Sticking Smartly: Generously dust work surfaces and hands with flour to avoid dough adhering and maintain smooth handling during shaping.
  • Preserve Crust Crispness: Allow bread to cool completely on a wire rack to maintain the crispy exterior and prevent soggy bottom from trapped steam.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 0.1 g
  • Sodium: 125 mg
  • Fat: 1 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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