Description
No-Knead Bread is a simple and effortless recipe that produces a rustic loaf with a golden, crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior. With minimal ingredients and no kneading required, this beginner-friendly recipe delivers delicious homemade bread that’s perfect for any meal. Enjoy it with soups, stews, or just with butter and jam for a comforting treat!
Ingredients
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
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1 1/2 cups water (room temperature)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)
Instructions
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Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir in the water, olive oil, and honey (if using) until the mixture forms a sticky dough. Use a spoon or your hands to bring everything together.
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Let the Dough Rest: Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours (overnight works great). The dough will rise and develop flavor during this time.
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Shape the Dough: Once the dough is bubbly and risen, lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface and fold it over itself a few times to form a rough ball.
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Second Rise: Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper or in a bowl dusted with flour. Cover it again and let it rise for 1-2 hours, until it’s puffy and has expanded.
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Preheat the Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a heavy Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a lid inside to heat up.
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Bake the Bread: Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Using the parchment paper, transfer the dough into the pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue to bake for 15-20 more minutes, until the crust is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy fresh or store in an airtight container.
Notes
Variations:Herb Bread: Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried rosemary or thyme to the flour mixture for a savory twist.Garlic Bread: Add 2-3 minced garlic cloves for a garlicky flavor.Whole Wheat: Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.Seeded Bread: Add sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds for extra crunch.Storage:Store the bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread for up to 2 months.Reheating: Reheat by wrapping the bread in foil and placing it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
