No Knead Bread Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of pulling a gorgeous, artisan-style loaf out of your oven without breaking a sweat, let me introduce you to No Knead Bread. This bread is beautifully rustic, with a crackly golden crust and a chewy, airy crumb—yet it comes together so effortlessly you’ll feel like you’re getting away with something. No Knead Bread is the real magic trick for anyone curious about bread making, and it’s practically foolproof. Give it a try and you’ll see why it’s a favorite in kitchens everywhere!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of staples to create bakery-worthy No Knead Bread right at home. Each ingredient supports the bread’s structure, flavor, and irresistible color, so don’t skip a thing!
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your loaf, this gives the bread its soft and chewy texture.
- Instant yeast: The secret to big bubbles and rise, even with minimal effort.
- Salt: Accentuates flavor and keeps the bread from tasting flat or bland.
- Warm water (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and helps everything meld together smoothly.
- Extra flour for dusting: Prevents that lovely dough from sticking to your hands or the counter when shaping.
- Cornmeal or more flour for baking surface: Ensures a non-stick landing for the loaf and adds a subtle crunch to the crust.
How to Make No Knead Bread
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, instant yeast, and salt for the perfect mix. Pour in the warm water and use a sturdy wooden spoon to stir until a rough, sticky dough forms—no muscle needed! The dough will look shaggy and uneven, which is exactly what you want at this stage.
Step 2: Let It Rest
Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. The long rest does all the heavy lifting, giving you that signature open crumb and rich flavor. You’ll know it’s ready when the surface is dotted with bubbles and the dough has doubled in size.
Step 3: Preheat Oven and Dutch Oven
When it’s almost time to bake, place your Dutch oven (with the lid on) in the oven and set it to preheat at 450°F (230°C). Let the Dutch oven heat for a full 30 minutes so it’s ripping hot—this is key to getting that irresistible crust on your No Knead Bread.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Dust your countertop with flour, then gently turn out your dough. Flour your hands and lightly shape the mass into a ball; don’t overwork it! Place the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper and sprinkle just a touch more flour on top to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven (wear mitts—it’ll be extremely hot). Lift your shaped dough, parchment and all, and place it in the pot. Cover with the lid, return to the oven, and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the lid and bake another 10 to 15 minutes, until your bread is deeply golden and crackling with possibility.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, transfer your loaf to a wire rack and summon all your patience—let it cool before slicing so the crumb sets perfectly. This last step makes all the difference for achieving bakery-style No Knead Bread texture.
How to Serve No Knead Bread
Garnishes
This bread is so good it hardly needs anything, but a swipe of creamy butter or a drizzle of olive oil can really make its flavor pop. For even more flair, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a scattering of chopped fresh herbs on top will make each slice extra special.
Side Dishes
No Knead Bread is practically the universal sidekick! Pair it with a pot of hearty soup, a colorful salad, or use it to soak up every last drop of your favorite saucy main. It’s also perfect with cheese boards and antipasto plates for easy entertaining.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re sharing with friends or making a statement, serve your No Knead Bread on a wooden board alongside whipped feta, garlicky olive oil, or a spicy homemade hummus. You can tear it by hand for that rustic, communal feel or slice it thick and tuck into a picnic basket for a charming outdoor treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your No Knead Bread’s crust crisp and crumb airy, wrap any leftover slices in a clean kitchen towel and store them at room temperature. Avoid plastic, which traps moisture and softens the crust—unless you actually prefer your bread softer!
Freezing
This bread freezes wonderfully. Once completely cool, slice the loaf and pack the slices in a freezer-safe bag. You can toast slices straight from the freezer for spontaneous bread cravings whenever they strike.
Reheating
Revive bread’s crackly crust by reheating slices in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. If reheating a whole loaf, try wrapping it loosely in foil, then baking for about 10 minutes to warm it through while preserving its texture.
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Bread flour will give your No Knead Bread a slightly chewier texture and a bit more rise. If you have it on hand, go for it, but all-purpose flour works just as beautifully.
What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
No worries. You can bake No Knead Bread in any heavy, oven-safe pot with a lid. Even a cast iron pot or an oven-proof casserole dish will do the trick.
How can I add flavor variations?
Stir in a handful of chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme, or add mix-ins such as olives, seeds, or shredded cheese before the first rise. Your No Knead Bread will be bursting with extra flavor!
Why does the dough need such a long resting time?
The long, slow ferment is doing what kneading usually does—developing gluten and deepening flavor. Plus, it creates those wonderful big air pockets that are the hallmark of great No Knead Bread.
Do I really need parchment paper?
Parchment paper makes transferring the sticky dough so simple and helps prevent sticking, but if you don’t have any, you can dust the Dutch oven generously with cornmeal or flour instead.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to bread baking or just want that artisan touch with zero fuss, there’s nothing quite like making your own No Knead Bread. It’s warm, welcoming, and so much fun to share. Don’t wait—roll up your sleeves and bake a loaf today. Fresh, homemade bread is waiting on your table!
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No Knead Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 13 to 19 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious No Knead Bread at home with this easy recipe. This crusty artisan bread requires minimal effort and basic ingredients, resulting in a beautifully golden loaf with a soft interior.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
Additional:
- Extra flour for dusting
- Cornmeal or additional flour for the baking surface
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Add water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the bowl and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours.
- Preheat and Shape: Preheat oven to 450°F. Shape dough into a ball on a floured surface.
- Bake: Place dough in a hot Dutch oven, bake covered, then uncover to finish baking.
- Cool and Enjoy: Transfer bread to a wire rack to cool before slicing.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with herbs or cheese.
- Store leftovers wrapped in a kitchen towel for crust maintenance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 12-18 hours resting)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
