Save to Pinterest A wonderfully crusty, airy artisan-style bread made with minimal effort and simple ingredients perfect for beginners and bread enthusiasts alike.
This recipe has become my go-to when I want fresh bread without the fuss of traditional kneading.
Ingredients
- Dough: 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- Dough: 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) instant yeast
- Dough: 1 1/4 teaspoons (8 g) salt
- Dough: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) lukewarm water
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, instant yeast, and salt.
- Step 2:
- Add the lukewarm water and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
- Step 3:
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours, until the surface is dotted with bubbles and dough has doubled in size.
- Step 4:
- Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it. With floured hands, fold the dough over on itself once or twice. Shape it loosely into a ball.
- Step 5:
- Place dough seam-side down on a piece of parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let rest for 30–60 minutes while the oven preheats.
- Step 6:
- Place a Dutch oven (or heavy lidded pot) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Lift the dough with parchment paper and lower both into the pot. Cover with the lid.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 30 minutes (lid on), then remove the lid and bake another 15 minutes, until golden brown and crusty.
- Step 9:
- Transfer bread to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.
Save to Pinterest This bread has been a family favorite, perfect for weekend breakfasts together.
Tips for Variations
Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist.
Storage Suggestions
Store in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Health Benefits
This bread is vegan and free from artificial additives, making it a wholesome choice.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy the simple delight of homemade artisan bread with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Recipe FAQ
- → How does no-knead dough develop texture without kneading?
Long resting allows gluten to develop naturally, creating structure and an airy crumb without manual kneading.
- → Why bake the bread in a Dutch oven?
The covered pot traps steam during baking, helping form a crispy crust and even heat distribution.
- → Can I add flavors to the dough before resting?
Yes, herbs, seeds, or roasted garlic can be mixed in before the first rise to enhance taste.
- → What’s the best way to shape the dough after resting?
Lightly flour the work surface and hands, fold the dough loosely into a ball, and let it rest before baking.
- → How do I store leftover bread?
Store at room temperature wrapped in cloth or paper to maintain crustiness; freeze for longer preservation.