Best Easy No-Knead Bread

Featured in: Bakes & Sweet Treats

This airy artisan bread comes together with minimal effort and no kneading. Simply mix flour, yeast, salt, and lukewarm water to form a sticky dough. Let it rest slowly at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, allowing bubbles to form and volume to increase. After shaping, the dough is baked in a hot, lidded pot to develop a golden crust and soft interior. This method results in a crusty, flavorful loaf ideal for sandwiches, dipping, or pairing with cheeses.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:39:00 GMT
Golden-crusted loaf of The Best Easy No-Knead Bread, ready to slice and serve warm. Save
Golden-crusted loaf of The Best Easy No-Knead Bread, ready to slice and serve warm. | apexdish.com

A wonderfully crusty, airy artisan-style bread made with minimal effort and simple ingredients perfect for beginners and bread enthusiasts alike.

My first attempt at no-knead bread surprised me with its delicious crust and soft interior, making it a staple in my kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • Dough: 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) instant yeast
  • Dough: 1 1/4 teaspoons (8 g) salt
  • Dough: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) lukewarm water

Instructions

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Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
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Step 1:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, instant yeast, and salt.
Step 2:
Add the lukewarm water and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
Step 3:
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest at room temperature for 12 18 hours until the surface is dotted with bubbles and dough has doubled in size.
Step 4:
Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it. With floured hands, fold the dough over on itself once or twice. Shape it loosely into a ball.
Step 5:
Place dough seam-side down on a piece of parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let rest for 30 60 minutes while the oven preheats.
Step 6:
Place a Dutch oven (or heavy lidded pot) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes.
Step 7:
Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Lift the dough with parchment paper and lower both into the pot. Cover with the lid.
Step 8:
Bake for 30 minutes (lid on) then remove the lid and bake another 15 minutes until golden brown and crusty.
Step 9:
Transfer bread to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.
Product image
Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Homemade The Best Easy No-Knead Bread boasts a beautifully crusty exterior and soft, airy interior. Save
Homemade The Best Easy No-Knead Bread boasts a beautifully crusty exterior and soft, airy interior. | apexdish.com

Baking this bread has become a cherished family tradition, bringing everyone together for fresh homemade loaves.

Notes

For added flavor, mix in herbs seeds or roasted garlic before the first rise.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, wooden spoon or spatula, Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot, parchment paper, kitchen towel.

Allergen Information

Contains gluten (wheat) Vegan-friendly Always check packaging for cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.

Freshly baked The Best Easy No-Knead Bread: imagine the delightful aroma of artisan bread, perfect with butter. Save
Freshly baked The Best Easy No-Knead Bread: imagine the delightful aroma of artisan bread, perfect with butter. | apexdish.com
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Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.
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This no-knead bread is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers seeking simplicity and great taste.

Recipe FAQs

What makes no-knead bread different?

No-knead bread relies on long fermentation instead of physical kneading, which develops gluten slowly and creates a light texture.

Can I add flavors to the dough?

Yes, incorporating herbs, seeds, or roasted garlic before the first rise enhances flavor without affecting texture.

Why use a Dutch oven for baking?

Baking in a Dutch oven traps steam, promoting a crispy crust and even cooking throughout the loaf.

How long should the dough rest before baking?

The dough needs 12 to 18 hours of resting at room temperature for proper fermentation and rise.

How can I make the crust chewier?

Lightly spraying the dough with water before baking helps create a chewier, more textured crust.

Best Easy No-Knead Bread

Crusty, airy artisan bread using simple ingredients and no kneading required, perfect for beginners.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Overall Time
55 minutes
Created by Charlotte Rivera


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine International

Makes 8 Serving Size

Diet Info Vegan-friendly, No Dairy

Ingredient List

Dough

01 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
03 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
04 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water

How to Make

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, instant yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Step 02

Form dough: Add lukewarm water and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.

Step 03

First fermentation: Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until doubled in size and surface bubbles appear.

Step 04

Shape dough: Lightly flour a work surface and turn dough out. Fold over on itself once or twice and shape loosely into a ball.

Step 05

Second proof: Transfer dough seam-side down onto parchment paper, cover with a towel, and let rest for 30 to 60 minutes while preheating the oven.

Step 06

Preheat vessel: Place a Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot into the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes.

Step 07

Bake covered: Carefully lift dough with parchment paper and place both into the hot pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 08

Bake uncovered: Remove lid and continue baking for another 15 minutes until crust is golden brown and crisp.

Step 09

Cool before slicing: Transfer bread to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before slicing.

What You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot
  • Parchment paper
  • Kitchen towel

Allergy Notice

Please review ingredients for allergens and talk to a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains gluten (wheat).
  • Vegan-friendly.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

These details are for general reference and aren't a substitute for professional health advice.
  • Calorie count: 135
  • Fat content: 0.3 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 28 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams