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.
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
Instructions
Mix the Dough: Combine flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Slowly add warm water and stir to form a sticky, shaggy dough.
First Rise: Cover loosely and let rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours until bubbly and doubled in size.
Preheat Baking Vessel: 30 minutes before baking, preheat a Dutch oven or cast-iron pot with lid to 450°F (230°C).
Shape Dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently shape into a round or oval loaf. Avoid overworking.
Transfer to Hot Pot: Carefully place dough into preheated pot (with parchment paper if desired). Cover with lid to trap steam.
Bake: Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove lid and bake 10–15 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding.
Cool: Transfer to a wire rack and cool at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Use room temperature water for best yeast activity.
Avoid over-flouring to maintain a light crust.
Slow rise is essential for flavor and texture development.
Optional add-ins like herbs, seeds, or cheese can be mixed in before the first rise.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International / Artisan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: No-knead artisan bread, easy yeast bread, crusty homemade bread, simple bread recipe, minimal effort bread