No-Knead Bread
No kneading • No eggs • No butter
This no-knead bread is one of the easiest homemade loaves you can make. With just a few basic pantry ingredients, time does all the work—no kneading, no eggs, no butter required. The result is a rustic bread with a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior, perfect for beginners and busy home bakers.
Ingredients (1 loaf)
-
3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour or bread flour
-
1½ tsp salt
-
1 tsp sugar (optional, helps fermentation)
-
½ tsp instant dry yeast
-
1½ cups (360 ml) warm water
Instructions
Step 1: Mix
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
Add warm water and mix with a spoon until a sticky, shaggy dough forms.
No kneading is needed—just mix until no dry flour remains.
Step 2: First Rise (Time Does the Work)
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel.
Let the dough rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours, until doubled and bubbly.
Step 3: Shape
Turn dough onto a floured surface.
Fold it over itself 2–3 times to form a rough ball.
Let rest 15–20 minutes.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F).
Place a Dutch oven (or heavy pot with lid) inside to heat for 30 minutes.
Carefully place dough into the hot pot, cover with lid, and bake:
-
30 minutes covered
-
15 minutes uncovered for a golden crust
Step 5: Cool
Remove bread and cool completely on a rack before slicing.
Texture & Flavor
-
Crunchy, artisan-style crust
-
Soft, airy crumb
-
Mild, natural yeast flavor
-
Perfect for savory or sweet toppings
Tips for Success
-
Dough should be sticky—do not add extra flour
-
Longer rise = better flavor
-
Use a preheated pot for best crust
-
Cool fully before cutting
Variations
-
Whole Wheat: replace 1 cup flour with whole wheat
-
Seeded Bread: add sunflower or pumpkin seeds
-
Herb Bread: mix in dried rosemary or thyme
-
Olive Bread: fold in chopped olives
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with:
-
Olive oil and salt
-
Soups and stews
-
Toast with jam or honey
-
Sandwiches
Storage
-
Keeps 2 days at room temperature
-
Freeze sliced for up to 2 months
-
Recrisp in oven for 5 minutes
Why This Recipe Works
-
High hydration replaces kneading
-
Slow fermentation builds structure
-
Simple ingredients, reliable results
-
Perfect for beginners
Final Thoughts
This No-Knead Bread proves that great bread doesn’t require complicated steps or rich ingredients. With no eggs, no butter, and no kneading, it’s pure simplicity—and incredibly satisfying.