There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. The warm, yeasty aroma promises comfort, simplicity, and satisfaction in every slice. This Easy No-Knead Bread Recipe is proof that you don’t need fancy equipment, endless kneading, or even eggs and butter to create a loaf that’s golden, crusty on the outside, and soft and airy on the inside. Perfect for beginners, this recipe requires just a handful of pantry staples, a bit of patience, and your oven.
Whether you’re pairing it with hearty soups, slathering it with jam for breakfast, or simply enjoying it warm with olive oil, this bread is as versatile as it is delicious.
---
Ingredients (and Why They Work)
3 cups all-purpose flour (360g) – The foundation of the bread, giving it structure and body.
2 teaspoons salt – Enhances flavor and balances the yeast’s fermentation.
½ teaspoon instant yeast – The star of the show, helping the dough rise slowly and develop deep flavor.
1 ½ cups warm water (about 350ml, at 105–110°F) – Hydrates the flour, activates the yeast, and creates the sticky dough necessary for a no-knead recipe.
That’s it—just four simple ingredients for bakery-style bread.
---
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast. Add the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until you have a shaggy, sticky dough. No kneading required!
2. First rise (overnight method)
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours. The long fermentation develops complex flavor and makes the bread airy.
3. Shape the dough
After the first rise, the dough will look bubbly and doubled in size. Lightly flour a surface and your hands, then gently shape the dough into a ball.
4. Second rise
Place the shaped dough on parchment paper, cover loosely with a towel, and let it rise for another 30–45 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven
Place a Dutch oven (or heavy oven-safe pot with lid) inside your oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes. The preheated pot creates steam, which gives the bread its signature crust.
6. Bake
Carefully transfer the dough (with the parchment paper) into the hot pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden brown and crackly.
7. Cool before slicing
Transfer to a wire rack and let the bread cool for at least 30 minutes to set the crumb.
---
Why Everyone Loves This Bread
Effortless: No kneading, no complicated steps—just mix, wait, and bake.
Simple ingredients: No eggs, no butter, no milk—completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
Bakery-style results: Crispy crust, chewy interior, and big airy holes.
Beginner-friendly: Foolproof for anyone new to bread baking.
---
Pro Tips for Perfect No-Knead Bread
Use a kitchen scale for accuracy—bread baking is more precise when measured by weight.
Don’t rush the rise. The long fermentation is key to flavor and texture.
For extra crunch, remove the bread from the Dutch oven and bake directly on the oven rack for the last 5 minutes.
Experiment with add-ins like herbs, garlic, or seeds to customize the flavor.
---
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a rustic appetizer.
Pair with hearty soups and stews like minestrone, beef stew, or creamy tomato soup.
Toast slices for breakfast and top with avocado, jam, or nut butter.
Use it as the base for gourmet sandwiches with fresh veggies, cheeses, and cured meats.
---
Final Thoughts
This Easy No-Knead Bread Recipe proves that homemade bread doesn’t need to be intimidating. With only four ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a loaf that rivals artisan bakery bread—without eggs, butter, or complicated techniques. Its
irresistible aroma, crackly crust, and soft crumb make it a staple you’ll want to bake again and again.
0 comments:
Post a Comment