Easy No-Knead Beginner Bread
This foolproof no-knead bread is perfect for first-time bakers—just mix, rest, and bake! With a crusty outside and soft, chewy interior, it’s ideal for sandwiches, soups, or simply served warm with butter.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel
- Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with lid (or a cast iron pot/heavy lidded casserole dish)
- Parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
- 3 cups 360g all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp salt
- ½ tsp instant yeast or active dry yeast
- 1½ cups 360ml lukewarm water
Instructions
- Mix the DoughIn a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and yeast. Add lukewarm water and stir until a sticky, shaggy dough forms.
- First Rise (8–18 hours)Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let sit at room temperature until the dough is bubbly and doubled in size.
- Shape the DoughLightly flour your hands and surface. Gently shape the dough into a ball—no kneading required.
- Second Rise (30–60 minutes)Place the dough on parchment paper and loosely cover with a towel while the oven preheats.
- Preheat the OvenPut your Dutch oven (with lid) into the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes.
- Bake the BreadCarefully remove the hot pot. Transfer dough (on parchment) into the pot. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover & BrownRemove the lid and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
- CoolRemove from pot and cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- Dough will be sticky - resist the urge to add more flour.
- For extra crunch, turn off the oven and leave bread in for 5 more minutes with the door slightly open.
- Add chopped herbs, garlic, or cheese before shaping for flavor variations.
- If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in warm water first.