Craving fresh, homemade bread but don’t have time for kneading? This no-knead bread recipe is perfect for you! With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you’ll create a beautiful artisan loaf with a crispy crust and soft, airy interior. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for beginners or anyone wanting an easy way to make homemade bread. All you need is time for the dough to rise – your oven will handle the rest!
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp instant or active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Add warm water and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the ingredients are combined. The dough will be sticky and shaggy—don’t worry; that’s perfect! - First Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours. The long, slow rise gives the dough time to develop flavor and a soft, airy texture. - Shape the Dough
After the dough has risen, it will look bubbly and sticky. Lightly flour a clean surface and your hands. Gently turn the dough out onto the floured surface, using a spatula to help if necessary. Shape it into a rough ball by folding the edges into the center—no kneading required! - Second Rise
Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper and let it rest for another 30-60 minutes. While it’s resting, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot with a lid inside to heat up. This creates steam, giving the bread a beautiful crust. - Bake
Carefully take the hot pot out of the oven. Lift the dough using the parchment paper and place it directly into the hot pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and crispy. - Cool and Enjoy
Carefully remove the bread from the pot and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This resting period keeps the bread from being gummy inside and enhances its flavor.