Why Make This Recipe
No-knead bread is perfect for anyone who loves fresh bread without the fuss. It’s easy to prepare and requires very little effort. You simply mix the ingredients, let the dough rise, and bake it. The result is a crusty loaf with a soft, chewy inside that fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma. Plus, this recipe fits into anyone’s busy schedule since the dough does most of the work on its own.
How to Make No-Knead Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast, and salt.
- Add water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 12-18 hours.
- After the resting period, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Place a Dutch oven in the oven to heat.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a ball.
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven and place the dough inside.
- Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing.
How to Serve No-Knead Bread
No-knead bread is fantastic on its own, but you can enjoy it in many ways. Slice it thick and serve it with butter, or use it for sandwiches. It also pairs well with soups and stews, making a hearty meal even better. You can toast slices to enjoy with jam or creamy cheese for a tasty snack.
How to Store No-Knead Bread
Store your no-knead bread at room temperature for up to three days. Keep it in a paper bag or wrap it in a kitchen towel to allow for air circulation. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last for up to three months in the freezer.
Tips to Make No-Knead Bread
- Make sure to measure your flour correctly for the best results.
- If the dough seems too wet, add a little flour to the surface when shaping.
- Use a heavy pot with a lid like a Dutch oven to trap steam for that perfect crust.
- Experiment with adding herbs or garlic for additional flavor.
Variation
You can add ingredients like seeds, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for a different flavor and texture. Whole wheat flour can also be used instead of all-purpose flour if you prefer a heartier bread.
FAQs
1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just dissolve it in the water before mixing it with the flour.
2. How can I tell when the dough is ready?
The dough should be bubbly and have a sticky, shaggy texture after resting for 12-18 hours.
3. What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
You can use any oven-safe pot with a lid. If you don’t have that, try using a baking sheet with a pan of water below it to create steam.
4. Can I reduce the rising time?
You can, but for best results, let it rise for the full time suggested to develop flavor and texture.
No-Knead Bread
This easy no-knead bread recipe yields a crusty loaf with a soft, chewy inside, perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 0 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast, and salt.
- Add water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 12-18 hours.
- After the resting period, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Place a Dutch oven in the oven to heat.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a ball.
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven and place the dough inside.
- Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
Store your no-knead bread at room temperature for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
