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No-Knead Artisan Bread

No-Knead Artisan Bread

No-Knead Artisan Bread is an effortless homemade bread recipe featuring a crispy crust and soft, airy crumb. Using minimal, common ingredients and requiring no kneading, this recipe offers bakery-quality bread with a long, slow rise that develops rich flavor and perfect texture. Ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers, it can be customized with herbs, seeds, or alternative flours to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups (360g) high protein bread flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon active dry or instant yeast
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (355ml) lukewarm water

Instructions

  1. Mix the Ingredients: Combine the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Pour in the lukewarm water and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. No kneading required—just mix until everything is hydrated.
  2. Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. This long, slow fermentation creates the signature tangy flavor and airy texture.
  3. Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a surface and turn the dough out onto it. With floured hands, fold the dough over onto itself once or twice to create surface tension. Shape it into a round ball and let it rest for 30 to 60 minutes while you preheat the oven.
  4. Preheat Your Dutch Oven: Place a heavy, lidded Dutch oven (cast iron recommended) in your oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for about 30 minutes to create a steamy, super-hot baking environment.
  5. Bake the Bread: Carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven, place the dough inside, and cover with the lid. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and crackling.
  6. Cool and Enjoy: Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing. This resting period allows the crumb to set and develop full flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use a kitchen scale to measure flour accurately for consistent results.
  • Do not skip the long rise; it develops superior flavor and texture.
  • Handle the sticky dough gently to preserve air pockets.
  • Preheat the Dutch oven thoroughly to ensure a crispy crust.
  • Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-knead bread, artisan bread, easy homemade bread, crispy crust bread, no kneading, slow rise bread, Dutch oven bread