Quick and Easy No-Knead Bread Recipe

This Quick and Easy No-Knead Bread requires minimal effort and delivers a crispy crust with a soft, airy interior. Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Kneading Required – Just mix, rest, and bake.
• Minimal Ingredients – Only four pantry staples.
• Dutch Oven Method – Creates a crispy, bakery-style crust.
• Perfect for Beginners – Foolproof method with fantastic results.

Ingredients

• Bread flour – 3 cups.
• Rapid rise yeast – 1 packet (2 tsp).
• Salt – 1½ teaspoons.
• Warm water – 1½ cups.

Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below!

How to Make Quick and Easy No-Knead Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, salt, and warm water with a wooden spoon or spatula.
2. The dough will be sticky—that’s okay!
3. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest in a draft-free place (like a turned-off oven) for 2-3 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

1. A few minutes before the proofing time is over, preheat the oven to 450°F.
2. Place a Dutch oven (with the lid on) inside the oven while it preheats.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

1. Lightly flour your counter and turn the dough onto the surface.
2. Gently fold the sides of the dough inwards (about 6 folds) to form a round shape.
3. Add flour to your hands if needed to prevent sticking.
4. Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

1. Carefully remove the Dutch oven from the oven—it will be hot!
2. Place the dough (with parchment paper) inside the Dutch oven.
3. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
4. Remove the lid and bake for 15 minutes more until golden brown.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
2. Enjoy warm with butter, jam, or your favorite spreads.

this Recipe

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Bread Flour – It gives the best texture, but all-purpose flour works too.
• Proof in a Warm Place – A turned-off oven or a warm spot speeds up the rise.
• Check the Crust – If it’s not golden enough, bake uncovered for a few extra minutes.
• Use a Serrated Knife – Helps slice the bread cleanly.

How to Serve

• With Butter & Jam – Classic and simple.
• As a Sandwich Bread – Perfect for deli meats and cheese.
• With Soup – Great for dipping into warm soups and stews.
• As Garlic Bread – Toast with butter and garlic for a savory side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Wrap in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

• Oven – Warm at 350°F for 10 minutes.
• Toaster – Toast slices for a crispy finish.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but the bread will be slightly less chewy.

Can I make this without a Dutch oven?
Yes! Use a covered oven-safe pot or bake on a sheet pan with a pan of water in the oven.

Do I need to knead this dough at all?
No kneading is required—just mix and let it rest.

Can I add mix-ins like herbs or cheese?
Absolutely! Stir in dried herbs, shredded cheese, or nuts before proofing.

This Quick and Easy No-Knead Bread is the easiest way to achieve a bakery-style loaf at home with minimal effort. Try it today!

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