Brilliant No-Knead Bread Recipe

🍞 Brilliant No-Knead Bread Recipe

This is an easy, foolproof bread that comes out crusty on the outside and soft inside—no kneading required!

Ingredients (Makes 1 loaf)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon instant yeast (or active dry yeast)

• 1½ teaspoons salt

• 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)

Instructions

1. Mix the dough

   • In a large bowl, stir together flour, yeast, and salt.

   • Add warm water and mix until just combined. Dough will be sticky and shaggy.

2. First rise

   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel.

   • Let it rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours (overnight works best).

   • The dough should double in size and have bubbles on the surface.

3. Preheat the oven

   • Place a Dutch oven (with lid) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes.

4. Shape the dough

   • Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface.

   • Gently shape into a ball; do not knead.

   • Let rest for 30 minutes while oven preheats.

5. Bake

   • Carefully place dough into the hot Dutch oven.

   • Cover with lid and bake 30 minutes.

   • Remove lid and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden brown and crusty.

6. Cool & serve

   • Let bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Tips

• Optional flavors: Add herbs, garlic, or shredded cheese to the dough before the first rise.

• Flour swap: You can replace up to 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

• Storage: Wrap cooled bread in a towel or bread bag; lasts 2–3 days.

If you want, I can give a super-fast 3-ingredient version of no-knead bread that works even without a Dutch oven