Created on November 14th, 2025 at 03:11 pm
A simple recipe for rustic, artisan-style bread
The allure of freshly baked bread is hard to resist. With its golden crust and soft, airy crumb, no-knead bread invites you to indulge in the simple joys of home baking. Made effortlessly in a Dutch oven, this recipe requires just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort. As the bread bakes, your kitchen fills with a warm, nutty aroma, evoking a sense of comfort and nostalgia.
What makes this bread special is the combination of time and technique. By allowing the dough to rise slowly, it develops a rich flavor and an open crumb structure that offers a satisfying texture. Pair it with your favorite butter or serve it alongside a hearty soup—the possibilities are endless.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This no-knead bread is a triumph of simplicity. The long rise time does the labor for you, creating a tender loaf with a remarkably crispy crust. As it bakes, the heat of the Dutch oven captures steam, which contributes to that irresistible crunch while keeping the inside soft and airy.
It’s perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. You can shape the dough to your liking, whether a round boule or an elongated batard. Plus, this bread tastes fantastic on the second day, toasted with a smear of butter or paired with a hearty breakfast. Good bread truly makes every meal special.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients List
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- Optional: cornmeal (for dusting)
Kitchen Tools
Baking bread doesn’t require an extensive arsenal of tools. Just a few key items will make the process smooth and straightforward.
- Dutch oven
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
- Parchment paper (optional for easy handling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir until evenly mixed. The dry ingredients create a base for the bread’s flavor and texture.
- Pour in the warm water, using a wooden spoon or spatula to mix until a shaggy dough forms. It should look sticky; this is what gives the bread its crusty texture.
- Once combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let it rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours. This slow fermentation develops flavor and structure.
- When the resting time is up, the dough should have doubled in size and be dotted with bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it gently into a ball, handling it with care to retain the air bubbles.
- Transfer the dough onto parchment paper or a floured surface, cover it with the towel, and let it rest for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) during this time.
- Carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven and lift the parchment with the dough into it. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. The steam will help create the crust.
- After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the bread is golden brown. The aroma is intoxicating and signals the bread’s readiness.
- Once done, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This is crucial as it helps set the crumb.
Pro Tips
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour.
- If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough in a slightly warm oven for the rising period.
- Dust your dough and surface lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
- For a more flavorful crust, try adding herbs or garlic powder to the dry ingredients.
- Don’t rush the cooling process; let it cool on a wire rack to avoid a gummy texture.
French Comfort, Made Simple
This no-knead bread proves that good food can be simple. With a few hours of patience, you can achieve bakery-quality bread in your own kitchen. The crispy crust and soft interior make it a delightful companion for any meal. “This dish proves that gourmet comfort can be simple and satisfying.”
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
No Knead Crusty Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1.5 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- Optional: cornmeal (for dusting) Use for dusting the Dutch oven
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Pour in the warm water, using a wooden spoon or spatula to mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours.
- Once combined, the dough should have doubled in size and be dotted with bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Shape it gently into a ball, handling it with care to retain the air bubbles.
Baking
- Transfer the dough onto parchment paper or a floured surface, cover it with a towel, and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) during this time.
- Carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven and lift the parchment with the dough into it. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
- Once done, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
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