Best Easy No-Knead Bread (Printable version)

An airy, crusty loaf made with simple ingredients and minimal handling for easy homemade bread.

# Ingredient list:

→ Dough

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g)
02 - 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast (1 g)
03 - 1 1/4 teaspoons salt (8 g)
04 - 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water (360 ml)

# Step-by-step guide:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, instant yeast, and salt until evenly mixed.
02 - Add lukewarm water and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
03 - Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, until the surface shows bubbles and dough doubles in volume.
04 - Lightly flour a work surface, turn the dough out, fold it over itself once or twice using floured hands, and shape it loosely into a ball.
05 - Place the dough seam-side down on a piece of parchment paper, cover with a towel, and allow to rest for 30 to 60 minutes while preheating the oven.
06 - Place a Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes.
07 - Remove the hot pot carefully, lift the dough with parchment paper into the pot, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
08 - Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp.
09 - Transfer the bread to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Minimal effort required
  • Simple ingredients perfect for beginners
02 -
  • Resting time is essential for gluten development without kneading
  • Use a heavy lidded pot to trap steam and achieve a crusty exterior
03 -
  • Ensure water is lukewarm not hot to avoid killing the yeast
  • Don’t rush the resting period it is key to great texture
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