Description
This Easy No-Knead Artisan Bread is a simple, hands-off recipe that yields a flavorful, rustic loaf with a crispy crust and soft, airy interior. Perfect for beginners or anyone who wants fresh homemade bread with minimal effort.
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)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and instant yeast. If using honey, add it to the warm water (ensure the water is not too hot, as it may kill the yeast).
- Pour the warm water into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be sticky—this is normal for no-knead bread.
- Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 12-18 hours at room temperature until it has doubled in size and is bubbly.
- After the first rise, scrape the dough onto a floured surface. Gently fold the dough edges inward to shape it into a round loaf.
- Place the shaped dough into a floured bowl or proofing basket, seam side down. Cover and let it rise for 1-2 hours until puffed up and nearly doubled.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid in the oven while it preheats to create a steamy baking environment.
- Once the dough has risen, carefully transfer it into the preheated Dutch oven (using parchment paper for easier transfer if needed). Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue baking for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to brown and develop a crispy crust.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- Slice and enjoy with butter, olive oil, or your favorite spread!
Notes
- If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm water with honey and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy before adding it to the flour.
- For additional flavor, add 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, or a clove of minced garlic to the dough before the first rise.
- You can replace the honey with sugar if preferred.
- For a crustier result, place a small pan of water on the lower oven rack while baking to create steam.
- If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can bake the bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, but the crust may not be as crispy.
- Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
