Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread, and with this simple no-knead bread recipe, you can enjoy a homemade loaf with minimal effort. This bread has a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior—perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with butter.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water
Instructions:
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast. Add the warm water and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
- Let it rise: Allow the dough to rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours. It should be doubled in size and bubbly on the surface.
- Shape the dough: Lightly flour a surface and your hands, then gently turn the dough out onto it. Fold the edges into the center a few times to form a rough ball. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: Place a Dutch oven (or heavy oven-safe pot with a lid) into the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for about 30 minutes.
- Bake the bread: Carefully transfer the dough into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add herbs, cheese, or seeds to the dough before mixing.
- If you don’t have a Dutch oven, bake the bread on a preheated baking sheet with a pan of hot water in the oven for steam.
- Store in a paper bag or wrapped in a kitchen towel to maintain crispness.
This no-knead bread is foolproof, making it perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Try it and enjoy fresh, homemade bread anytime!