Easy No Knead Bread (Dutch Oven Bread)
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water
105 degrees F
Directions
- 1
Combine the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl and stir to combine.
- 2
Add the water and mix until the dough forms a ball.
- 3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap (sprayed with cooking spray) and a damp tea towel.
- 4
Let dough sit covered at room temperature for 18-24 hours.
- 5
After 24 hours (or at least 1 hour before you want to serve) preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- 6
Place a 2 3/4 quart dutch oven (or a 2.4L baking dish) with a lid in the oven while it is preheating. (Note: Readers have used a 5 qt. dutch oven with success).
- 7
While oven is preheating, transfer the dough from the bowl onto a floured surface.
- 8
Form the dough into a ball, adding a few TBS more flour if needed. The dough should still be slightly loose. Then cover it with a floured towel while the oven is preheating. (Important note: The dough ball will be loose and "floppy." That is how it should be as this is a very moist bread which is what makes it so irresistible. You will not have a firm ball, it will look a little flat).
- 9
Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven. Remove the lid and spray the dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- 10
Gently put the dough ball into the baking dish so it’s evenly distributed.
- 11
Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- 12
Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown.
- 13
Remove the loaf from the baking dish and let it cool on a rack before slicing. To keep it warm, cover with a tea towel.
Easy No Knead Bread (Dutch Oven Bread)
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About this Recipe
Craving the irresistible aroma and taste of fresh, homemade bread, but intimidated by complicated recipes? This Easy No Knead Bread (Dutch Oven Bread) recipe is your secret weapon, delivering a stunning, bakery-quality loaf with surprisingly little effort.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines by letting time do the heavy lifting. The no-knead method means you skip the arm workout, allowing the simple combination of flour, yeast, salt, and water to slowly develop a robust flavor and beautiful texture. Baking in a Dutch oven creates the ideal steamy environment, mimicking a professional bakery oven to ensure an incredibly crispy crust and a tender, airy crumb inside. It’s the ultimate low-effort, high-reward technique for impressive bread.
What to Expect
Prepare for your kitchen to be filled with the comforting scent of freshly baked bread. You'll pull from your oven a gorgeous, golden-brown loaf with a wonderfully crackly crust that yields to a soft, open-textured interior. Each bite offers a delightful balance of chewiness and a subtle, earthy flavor. Despite its impressive appearance, this bread is incredibly straightforward, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for a fuss-free staple.
Customization & Variations
While delicious on its own, this versatile no-knead bread invites simple additions. Consider stirring in a tablespoon of fresh rosemary or dried herbs for an aromatic touch. For a more rustic appeal, fold in a handful of sesame seeds or sunflower seeds before the dough rests. You can also experiment by substituting a quarter of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
This Easy No Knead Bread is perfect for any meal, whether you're serving it alongside a hearty soup, using it for gourmet sandwiches, or simply enjoying a slice toasted with butter and jam.