Say goodbye to store-bought bread! This no-knead bread recipe is unbelievably simple, requiring just four ingredients and zero kneading. If you love homemade bread but don’t have time for complicated techniques, this is the perfect recipe for you.

With its golden, crispy crust and soft, airy interior, this bread tastes just like a rustic artisan loaf from a bakery. Plus, it’s egg-free, butter-free, and incredibly budget-friendly—making it one of the most affordable and delicious ways to enjoy fresh, homemade bread.

Why This No-Knead Bread Works

✔ No Kneading Required – Just mix the ingredients and let time do the work.

✔ Minimal Ingredients – Only flour, yeast, salt, and water—that’s it!

✔ Crispy Artisan Crust – Baking in a Dutch oven creates a professional bakery-style crust.

✔ Budget-Friendly – Costs just pennies to make compared to expensive store-bought bread.

✔ Perfect for Beginners – If you’ve never baked bread before, this is the best place to start!

What You’ll Need for This Recipe

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure for the bread.

1 ½ cups warm water – Helps activate the yeast and hydrate the dough.

1 teaspoon active dry yeast – The key to a light and fluffy texture.

1 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough.

How To Make Brilliant No-Knead Bread

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, and salt until well combined.

2. Add Warm Water

Pour in warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be sticky and uneven—this is normal!

3. Cover and Let It Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours.

The dough should double in size and have a bubbly surface.

4. Shape the Dough

Lightly flour a surface and gently shape the dough into a round loaf.

Avoid overhandling—just form it into a rough ball.

5. Preheat the Dutch Oven

Place a Dutch oven with a lid in your oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C) for 30 minutes.

This step helps create a crispy, golden crust.

6. Bake Covered

Carefully place the dough into the preheated Dutch oven and cover with the lid.

Bake at 450°F for 30 minutes.

7. Bake Uncovered

Remove the lid and bake for another 15 minutes, allowing the crust to turn a deep golden brown.

8. Let Cool & Enjoy!

Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

This allows the inside to set properly and prevents a gummy texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect No-Knead Bread

✔ Use Fresh Yeast – Expired yeast won’t rise properly. Test it by dissolving a little in warm water with a pinch of sugar—if it foams, it’s active.

✔ Longer Rise = Better Flavor – Letting the dough rise for at least 12 hours deepens the flavor and creates a chewier texture.

✔ Preheat Your Dutch Oven – This traps steam inside while baking, giving the bread its signature crispy crust.

✔ Score the Dough – Use a sharp knife or razor blade to make a small slit on top of the dough before baking. This helps control how the bread expands in the oven.

✔ Let the Bread Cool – Resist cutting into the bread right away! Let it cool for at least 30 minutes to set properly.

Serving Suggestions

This homemade no-knead bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways:

🥖 Spread with Butter & Jam – Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
🥖 Dip into Soups & Stews – Ideal for soaking up hearty broths and sauces.
🥖 Make a Rustic Sandwich – Pile on your favorite deli meats, cheese, and veggies.
🥖 Serve with Olive Oil & Herbs – Dip slices into olive oil with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and rosemary.
🥖 Toast for Avocado Toast – Top with mashed avocado, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?

Yes! If you don’t have a Dutch oven, bake the bread on a preheated baking sheet with an oven-safe bowl of hot water placed on the lower rack to create steam.

Q: How do I store homemade bread?

Store in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and soften the crust.

Q: Can I freeze this bread?

Yes! Wrap the whole loaf or slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Q: Can I add mix-ins like herbs or cheese?

Absolutely! Try adding:
✔ 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme for an herby flavor.
✔ ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or asiago).
✔ ¼ cup chopped nuts or seeds for extra texture.

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, but replace only half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat, as too much can make the bread dense.

Final Thoughts – The Easiest Homemade Bread Ever!

This Brilliant No-Knead Bread Recipe is a true game-changer. Whether you’re new to bread baking or looking for a fail-proof, easy recipe, this one delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

✔ No kneading
✔ Minimal ingredients
✔ Perfect crusty texture
✔ Incredibly cheap to make

Once you try it, you’ll never want to buy bread again! Who’s excited to bake this? Let me know in the comments!

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