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No-Knead Artisan Bread Recipe: A Foolproof Way to Make Crusty, Golden Loaf at Home


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: ~13 hours (including rest time)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

No-Knead Artisan Bread is exactly what it sounds like—a bread recipe that requires no kneading, making it incredibly simple and beginner-friendly. The dough is mixed together with just a few basic ingredients, and left to rise overnight or for up to 18 hours. The magic happens during this resting period, where the dough develops a unique, airy texture with large holes, much like you’d find in artisan bread from a bakery. This bread doesn’t need any fancy equipment or advanced baking techniques, and it’s baked in a preheated Dutch oven to create that perfectly crispy, bakery-like crust.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
  • 1½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)

Instructions

  1. Mix the Dough:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast.
    • Add the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. No kneading is necessary.
    • Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours (overnight is perfect). The dough will rise and become bubbly.
  2. Shape the Dough:
    • After the dough has risen, lightly flour a clean surface and your hands.
    • Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently shape it into a ball. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it airy.
    • Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper and let it rest for another 30-60 minutes. Cover it with a towel while it rests.
  3. Preheat the Oven:
    • Place a Dutch oven (or any oven-safe pot with a lid) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C). Let the Dutch oven heat for at least 30 minutes to ensure it’s very hot.
  4. Bake the Bread:
    • Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven (use oven mitts!).
    • Lift the dough using the parchment paper and place it (with the parchment) into the Dutch oven.
    • Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
    • After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
  5. Cool:
    • Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For added flavor and texture, mix in ingredients like chopped olives, roasted garlic, shredded cheese, or fresh herbs before the final rise. Want a crunchier crust? Place a pan of hot water in the oven while baking to create steam.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 12–18 hours resting)
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: No-Knead Artisan Bread Recipe