There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. But making bread often feels intimidating or time-consuming, especially for beginners. That’s where this Quick and Easy No-Knead Bread comes in! Perfectly crusty on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, this recipe requires no kneading or fancy equipment—just simple ingredients, a bit of patience, and a Dutch oven.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-timer, this foolproof recipe will bring out your inner artisan baker.
Why You’ll Love This No-Knead Bread Recipe
Beginner-Friendly: No kneading or complex techniques are required.
Minimal Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples you likely already have.
Restaurant-Quality: Enjoy bakery-style bread at home with a crispy crust and soft interior.
Versatile: Perfect as a side for soups, salads, or sandwiches, or simply slathered with butter.
Quick Prep: Only 5 minutes of prep time!
Ingredients and Their Health Benefits
- All-Purpose Flour (3 ½ cups)
- The base of this bread provides carbohydrates for energy and essential nutrients like folic acid.
- Salt (1 ½ tsp)
- Enhances flavor while supporting muscle function and hydration in moderation.
- Instant Yeast (1 tsp)
- The key to creating airy, fluffy bread. Yeast also adds a touch of B vitamins.
- Water (1 ½ cups, warm)
- Keeps the dough hydrated and helps activate the yeast for a light and tender crumb.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl: To combine all ingredients.
- Dutch oven: Essential for creating the perfect steamy environment for crusty bread.
- Parchment paper: For easy transfer of dough and hassle-free cleanup.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For effortless mixing of the sticky dough.
How To Make Easy No-Knead Bread
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast. Gradually pour in warm water while stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula. The dough will be sticky, but that’s normal. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest in a draft-free place for 2–3 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven:
- When the dough is almost done proofing, preheat your oven to 450°F. Place a Dutch oven with the lid on inside the oven to preheat for about 30 minutes.
- Shape the Dough:
- Lightly sprinkle flour on your countertop and gently turn the dough onto it. Fold the sides of the dough inward about 6 times to form a round loaf. Use a dough scraper or knife to transfer the dough onto parchment paper.
- Bake the Bread:
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven and place the parchment paper with the dough inside. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the bread turns golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Carefully lift the bread out of the Dutch oven using the parchment paper. Allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Success
Don’t skip the preheating: A hot Dutch oven ensures the bread develops a crispy crust.
Use warm water (not hot): Hot water can kill the yeast, so keep it around 100–110°F.
Avoid over-flouring: The dough is meant to be sticky, so resist the urge to add too much flour.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice (1 of 12) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 124 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 0.6 g |
| Sodium | 291 mg |
| Potassium | 34 mg |
| Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Why Make No-Knead Bread?
The no-knead method revolutionized home baking by making artisan-style bread accessible to everyone.
This recipe requires less effort but delivers exceptional results. Whether you’re serving it with soup or enjoying it with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs, this bread is versatile and irresistible.
Conclusion
There you have it—a foolproof recipe for Quick and Easy No-Knead Bread that will make your kitchen smell like heaven.
With just four ingredients and a few hours of rising, you’ll have a bakery-style loaf that’s crusty, chewy, and utterly delicious.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, it’s hard to go back to store-bought bread!