Name: World’s Easiest Yeast Bread Recipe – Artisan, NO KNEAD Crusty Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489331H23M16S
Total time: PT-489331H23M16S
Cuisine: International / Artisan
Ingredients: 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons (9 g) salt; ¼ teaspoon (1 g) instant yeast; 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (110°F / 43°C); Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar or honey; Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or rolled oats

Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen, the crust golden and crackling, while the interior remains soft and tender. Now imagine achieving this without hours of kneading, complicated steps, or fancy equipment. That’s exactly what makes the World’s Easiest Yeast Bread – No Knead Artisan Bread so remarkable. This recipe produces a rustic, crusty loaf that looks and tastes like it came straight from a bakery, but it requires minimal effort. Whether you are a busy home cook, a beginner baker, or someone who loves the simplicity of homemade comfort food, this no-knead bread is your answer. The secret lies in a long, slow rise that develops flavor and texture naturally, creating a crusty exterior and airy interior that is perfect for sandwiches, soups, or simply enjoying with butter.

Ingredients

To make one large artisan loaf, gather the following ingredients:

3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons (9 g) salt
¼ teaspoon (1 g) instant yeast
1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar or honey to slightly enhance yeast activity
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or rolled oats

Tip: Use bread flour if you prefer a chewier texture, or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose for a nuttier flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir them together until evenly distributed. Slowly pour in the warm water while stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula. The mixture will form a shaggy, sticky dough. Don’t worry about perfection—this dough is meant to be loose and rustic.

Step 2: First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)

Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours. The long, slow fermentation allows the yeast to develop complex flavors and the gluten to strengthen naturally, giving the bread its airy structure. The dough will double in size and appear bubbly and sticky.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Vessel

About 30 minutes before baking, place a heavy oven-safe Dutch oven or cast-iron pot (with a lid) in your oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C). Preheating the pot is key to developing the bread’s signature crust.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

While the oven heats, turn the risen dough onto a well-floured surface. With floured hands, gently shape it into a round or oval loaf. Avoid overworking the dough—this preserves the airy texture. Sprinkle flour on top if the dough feels too sticky.

Step 5: Transfer to the Hot Pot

Carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven from the oven. Place the dough inside, either directly in the pot or on parchment paper for easier handling. Cover with the lid to trap steam, which helps create a crisp crust.

Step 6: Bake

Bake covered for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the crust is deeply golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, signaling it’s fully baked.

Step 7: Cool Before Slicing

Remove the bread from the pot and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Cooling prevents the interior from becoming gummy and helps the crust stay crisp.

Tips for Perfecting the No-Knead Bread

Use Room Temperature Water: Too hot water can kill the yeast; too cold slows fermentation.
Patience is Key: Don’t rush the 12–18 hour rise—this develops flavor and texture.
Avoid Over-Flouring: Lightly flouring the surface is fine, but too much flour can make the crust heavy.
Experiment with Vessels: A Dutch oven works best, but a deep oven-safe bowl covered with foil can also work.
Steam Matters: Covering the dough traps steam and creates a golden, crackly crust.

Variations

This no-knead artisan dough is versatile and can be customized:

Herb & Garlic: Fold in 1 tablespoon minced garlic and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary before the first rise.
Cheese Bread: Add ½ cup shredded Parmesan or cheddar for a savory twist.
Whole Wheat Blend: Replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
Seeded Loaf: Sprinkle sesame, poppy, or sunflower seeds on top before baking.
Olive & Sun-Dried Tomato: Fold in ½ cup chopped olives and ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean flavor.

Conservation and Storage

Store bread at room temperature in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel for 2–3 days. Avoid plastic as it softens the crust.
For longer storage, slice and freeze bread in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

No-knead artisan bread is incredibly versatile:

Breakfast: Toast slices and serve with butter, jam, or avocado.
Lunch: Make sandwiches or paninis with your favorite fillings.
Dinner: Serve alongside soups, stews, or pasta dishes.
Snack or Appetizer: Top with olive oil, garlic, or cheeses for bruschetta.
Special Occasions: Use as a bread basket centerpiece, paired with dips or spreads.

Its crisp crust and tender interior make it ideal for both casual meals and elegant gatherings.

Conclusion

The World’s Easiest Yeast Bread – No Knead Artisan Bread proves that homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients, you can achieve a bakery-quality loaf with a crusty exterior and soft, airy interior. The slow rise enhances flavor naturally, while the no-knead method keeps the process effortless. From classic sandwiches to gourmet appetizers, this bread is versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced cook, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, offering delicious, comforting homemade bread any day of the week.

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World’s Easiest Yeast Bread Recipe – Artisan, NO KNEAD Crusty Bread

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 12–18 hours 55 minutes (includes long rise)
Yield: 1 large loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This no-knead artisan bread is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort while producing a bakery-quality loaf. It features a golden, crusty exterior and a soft, airy interior. Perfect for sandwiches, soups, or enjoying with butter.