No-Knead Bread Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Easy Homemade Bread

Baking bread at home can be a therapeutic and rewarding experience, especially when you don’t need to knead the dough. No-knead bread has become a favorite for many because of its simplicity and incredible results.

Whether you’re using a Dutch oven or a baking sheet, this light, airy bread with a crispy crust will become your go-to recipe for serving alongside soups, pastas, dips, and sandwiches.

This guide walks you through every step of making the perfect no-knead bread. With just a few ingredients, minimal handling, and some expert tips, you’ll be able to create a masterpiece without breaking a sweat.

Why You Should Try This No-Knead Bread Recipe

If you’ve been on the lookout for the easiest bread recipe that doesn’t require any fancy equipment or techniques, this is it!

No-knead bread is incredibly forgiving, and even if you’re a beginner, you’ll end up with a loaf that’s crusty on the outside and soft, chewy on the inside. It’s perfect for every meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

This bread freezes well, so you can always have some on hand. Its light texture makes it ideal for sandwiches or a side dish for a variety of dishes. The best part? You won’t even need to touch the dough! A silicone spatula can do all the work for you.

How to Make No-Knead Bread

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to make no-knead bread. Be sure to check out the tips and tricks along the way!

Ingredients

2 teaspoons instant yeast (active or rapid rise will work too)
2 teaspoons sugar
1 ½ cups warm water (about 100°F)
3 cups bread flour (or 360 grams)
2 teaspoons salt (non-iodized is preferred)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes foamy. This step helps to activate the yeast, ensuring your dough rises well.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a separate large bowl, combine flour and salt. Stir to distribute the salt evenly. Add the olive oil and the yeast mixture, then mix with a silicone spatula until all the flour is hydrated and you have a sticky dough.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Spray the dough with nonstick cooking spray and cover it with plastic wrap. Place a dish towel over the top and set it in a warm place to rise for 2-3 hours.

It should double in size by the time it’s ready. If your dough isn’t rising well, check out the rising tips below.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, tilt the bowl and use a silicone spatula to gently slide the dough onto floured parchment paper.

Fold the dough over itself a few times to create a ball. Spray the dough with nonstick spray, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let it rest for another 45 minutes while the oven preheats.

Step 5: Bake in a Dutch Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F, placing a Dutch oven inside during the preheating.

Once hot, remove the plastic wrap from the dough, lift the parchment paper, and carefully place the dough (with the parchment paper) inside the preheated Dutch oven.

Cover and bake for 40 minutes. After that, remove the lid and bake for another 10-12 minutes until the bread is golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and brush it with melted butter. This gives the crust a beautiful shine and extra flavor. Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing and serving with your favorite soups, dips, or sandwiches.

Expert Tips for Perfect No-Knead Bread

Getting the perfect no-knead bread comes down to a few key factors. Here are some pro tips to ensure you nail it every time:

Saran wrap is your friend: Trapping moisture with plastic wrap creates a humid environment, ideal for rising dough. If you don’t have plastic wrap, a greased plastic container with a tight-fitting lid will do the trick.

Weigh your flour: Using too much flour can make your bread dense. Weighing it (360 grams) ensures accuracy, especially in no-knead recipes.

Handle the dough gently: The dough is sticky and delicate. Minimal handling helps preserve the light, airy texture.

Use bread flour: While all-purpose flour works, bread flour gives the best structure for this recipe.

Troubleshooting: What to Do If Your Dough Isn’t Rising

Sometimes, your dough may not rise as expected. Here’s how you can troubleshoot and give it a boost:

Use the oven trick: Heat your oven to 200°F for two minutes, turn it off, and place the bowl of dough (covered with a towel) inside. The residual heat will encourage the dough to rise.

Microwave method: Boil a cup of water in the microwave, then place the covered dough inside the microwave (after removing the water). The warm, moist environment will help it rise.

Outside option: If it’s warm outside, place the dough outdoors. A little humidity will work wonders.

Dutch Oven vs. No Dutch Oven: What’s the Difference?

While both methods yield great results, using a Dutch oven will give your no-knead bread a crispier crust. The preheated Dutch oven traps steam, which is essential for getting that bakery-quality crust.

If you don’t have a Dutch oven, baking on a sheet is a good alternative. Just make sure to add a cast iron skillet filled with water to the bottom rack of your oven. This will create steam and help give your bread a beautiful crust.

Make-Ahead Method

If you want to prepare the dough ahead of time, let it rise for 2-3 hours as usual. Then, transfer the covered dough to the fridge for up to three days. This method develops even more flavor.

When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature while the oven preheats. You may notice that the dough has deflated slightly during refrigeration, but that’s normal.

FAQs About No-Knead Bread

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour can be used, but bread flour provides better structure and chewiness.

What is the best way to store no-knead bread?

Store it at room temperature in a covered container for up to five days, or refrigerate for up to ten days. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

How do I freeze no-knead bread?

Freeze it as a whole loaf or in slices. Place slices in a gallon-sized freezer bag to make grabbing a piece easy during busy mornings.

Can I bake no-knead bread without a Dutch oven?

Yes, you can use a baking sheet or cast iron skillet. Increase the oven temperature to 475°F and create steam by placing a skillet with water in the oven.

How do I ensure my bread has a crispy crust?

Using a Dutch oven will give the crispiest crust. If you’re using a baking sheet, add steam by placing a pan of water in the oven.

Reference Links

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No-Knead Bread Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Easy Homemade Bread