There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. This No-Knead Bread Recipe is not just simple; it’s practically foolproof. With minimal effort and just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be rewarded with a crusty, golden loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful bread that requires no kneading!
Why I Love This Recipe
The beauty of this No-Knead Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity. You can mix the ingredients, leave the dough to rise, and go about your day. The long fermentation process allows the flavors to develop beautifully, resulting in a loaf that rivals any artisan bread. Plus, you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a bowl and a spoon. It’s the perfect recipe for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
What to Buy
To create your own No-Knead Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 100°F, not hot)
- 1/2 tablespoon sea salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (7 grams or 1 packet)
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour), plus extra for dusting
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal (or more flour for dusting)
Equipment Breakdown
You’ll need a few basic tools to get started:
- Mixing Bowl: For combining your ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon or Dough Scraper: To stir and help with shaping.
- Plastic Wrap or Towel: To cover the dough while it rises.
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven: For baking, which helps create a perfect crust.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the bread after baking.
Stepwise Method: No-Knead Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
Once the yeast is activated, add the sea salt and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. You want the dough to be sticky, so don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth.
Step 3: First Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours, or overnight. The longer it sits, the better the flavor develops.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
After the first rise, the dough will be bubbly and have doubled in size. Dust your work surface with flour and gently scrape the dough out of the bowl. With floured hands, fold the dough over itself a few times to shape it into a ball.
Step 5: Second Rise
Place the shaped dough on a piece of parchment paper sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover it with a towel and let it rise for another 1-2 hours, until it has puffed up.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
About 30 minutes before the dough is done rising, preheat your oven to 450°F. Place your cast iron Dutch oven (with the lid) inside to heat up.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Once the oven is hot, carefully remove the Dutch oven. Lift the parchment paper with the dough and place it inside the pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 8: Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Carefully transfer the bread to a cooling rack and let it cool completely before slicing. This is the hardest part, but it’s worth the wait to allow the flavors to settle.
Healthier Substitutions
If you’re looking to make this No-Knead Bread Recipe a bit healthier, consider these substitutions:
- Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Honey: Instead of sugar, you can add a tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Olive Oil: Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil into the dough for a richer flavor.
- Seeds or Nuts: Mix in sunflower seeds, flax seeds, or chopped nuts for added texture and nutrition.
Pro Perspective
This No-Knead Bread Recipe is a game changer, especially for those who shy away from traditional bread-making techniques. Here are a few tips from the pros:
- Don’t rush the rising time—allow the dough to ferment for the best flavor and structure.
- Experiment with different types of flour, such as spelt or rye, to create unique flavors.
- For a crustier loaf, add a cup of water to a pan at the bottom of the oven while baking to create steam.
- If you want to add herbs or spices, do so during the mixing step to infuse the dough with flavor.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
Once you’ve baked your beautiful loaf of No-Knead Bread, here’s how to store it:
The bread can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or stored in a paper bag to maintain its crust. If you want to keep it longer, slice it and freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply toast slices directly from the freezer or let them thaw at room temperature.
Quick Q&A
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast in this No-Knead Bread Recipe. Just mix it directly with the flour.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is overly sticky, you can add a little more flour during the mixing stage. However, remember that a sticky dough is typical for this recipe.
Can I add flavors to this bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in herbs, cheese, or spices into the dough for added flavor. Consider trying out Honey Bread for a sweet twist!
Why is my bread dense?
If your bread turns out dense, it could be due to insufficient rising time or not enough yeast. Make sure to give it ample time to rise, as the fermentation process is key.
If you enjoyed this No-Knead Bread Recipe, you’ll love these other favorites:
Bring It to the Table
There’s nothing like the comfort of a warm loaf of bread to bring people together. This No-Knead Bread Recipe is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. Serve it alongside your favorite soups, salads, or as a base for delicious sandwiches. The possibilities are endless, and every bite will remind you of the joy of homemade bread.
With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can impress your friends and family with minimal effort. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of homemade bread!
No-Knead Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- Once the yeast is activated, add the sea salt and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours, or overnight.
- After the first rise, dust your work surface with flour and gently scrape the dough out of the bowl. With floured hands, fold the dough over itself a few times to shape it into a ball.
- Place the shaped dough on a piece of parchment paper sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover it with a towel and let it rise for another 1-2 hours.
- About 30 minutes before the dough is done rising, preheat your oven to 450°F. Place your cast iron Dutch oven inside to heat up.
- Once the oven is hot, carefully remove the Dutch oven. Lift the parchment paper with the dough and place it inside the pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Carefully transfer the bread to a cooling rack and let it cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Allow the dough to ferment for the best flavor and structure.
- Experiment with different types of flour for unique flavors.
- Add a cup of water to the oven for a crustier loaf.
