This Easy No-Knead Artisan Bread is the perfect solution for those who want fresh, homemade bread with minimal effort. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a crusty, flavorful loaf of artisan bread that tastes like it came from a bakery—without the need for any kneading. It’s a hands-off recipe that requires just a bit of patience while the dough rises, giving you a delicious, rustic bread with a golden, crunchy crust and soft, airy inside.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This no-knead bread is incredibly simple to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients—flour, water, yeast, and salt. The magic happens during the long fermentation process, where the dough rises and develops flavor. The result is a loaf of artisan bread with that perfect chewy texture and crispy crust, just like the ones you’d find at your local bakery. Best of all, you don’t need to knead or spend hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for beginner bakers and busy cooks alike!

Easy No-Knead Artisan Bread

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added flavor)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and instant yeast. If you’re using honey, you can add it to the warm water (make sure the water is not too hot, or it will kill the yeast).
Add water: Pour the warm water (with honey, if using) into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together. The dough will be sticky and shaggy, which is completely normal for no-knead bread.
First rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours (or overnight). The dough should double in size and become bubbly and slightly sticky.
Shape the dough: After the first rise, gently scrape the dough onto a floured surface. Fold the edges of the dough inward a few times to form a rough ball. You don’t need to knead—just gently shape it into a round loaf.
Second rise: Line a large bowl or proofing basket with a clean kitchen towel and dust it with flour. Place the shaped dough into the bowl, seam side down. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until it’s puffed up and nearly doubled in size.
Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid in the oven while it’s preheating. This will create the perfect steamy environment for baking the bread, ensuring a crispy crust.
Bake the bread: Once the dough has finished its second rise and the oven has preheated, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Gently transfer the dough into the pot (you can use parchment paper to help with this). Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
Uncover and continue baking: After 30 minutes, remove the lid of the Dutch oven to allow the bread to brown and develop a crispy crust. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the bread set and makes it easier to cut.
Enjoy: Slice and serve with butter, olive oil, or your favorite spread!

Servings and timing

Servings: 8-10 slices
Prep time: 5-10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 13-18 hours (including rise times)

Variations

Herb & Garlic No-Knead Bread: Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano, and a clove of minced garlic to the dough before the first rise for extra flavor.
Cheese No-Knead Bread: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated cheese, like cheddar or Parmesan, before the first rise for a cheesy twist.
Seeded Bread: Before baking, sprinkle the top of the dough with sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or flax seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cooled bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To refresh day-old bread, place it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to bring back its crusty texture.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast. If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm water with the honey and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy before adding it to the flour.

Do I have to use a Dutch oven?

While a Dutch oven is ideal for creating a steamy environment, you can bake the bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. To replicate the steam, place a small pan of water on the lower rack of the oven while baking the bread.

Can I make this bread without a lid?

Yes, you can bake it without a lid, but the crust may not be as crisp or evenly golden. To compensate, you can try covering the bread with aluminum foil during the first part of baking.

What if I don’t have a 12-18 hour rise time?

If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the rising process by allowing the dough to rise in a warm place for a few hours. However, the long, slow rise gives the bread better flavor and texture, so it’s worth the wait!

Can I add different flavorings to this bread?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or dried fruit (like raisins or cranberries) to the dough before the first rise for a fun twist.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread is done when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’re using a thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 200°F (93°C).

Conclusion

This Easy No-Knead Artisan Bread is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. With minimal effort and only a few ingredients, you can create a crusty, flavorful loaf of bread that rivals any bakery. The long rise time allows the dough to develop amazing flavor, while the crispy crust and soft inside make it irresistible. Whether you’re serving it with soup, spreading butter on it, or making it into a sandwich, this bread is bound to become a staple in your kitchen!