Best Easy No-Knead Bread

Featured in: Family Favorites

This crusty, airy loaf uses basic ingredients and minimal effort, ideal for beginners and enthusiasts. The no-knead dough rests 12–18 hours, developing bubbles and flavor. After shaping, it's baked in a preheated Dutch oven for a golden, crusty finish. This easy method yields a tender crumb and artisan-style bread perfect for pairing with soups, cheeses, or olive oil.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:38:00 GMT
Golden, crusty loaf of The Best Easy No-Knead Bread, freshly baked, ready to slice, and enjoy. Save
Golden, crusty loaf of The Best Easy No-Knead Bread, freshly baked, ready to slice, and enjoy. | pulseoven.com

A wonderfully crusty, airy artisan-style bread made with minimal effort and simple ingredients perfect for beginners and bread enthusiasts alike.

This recipe quickly became my go-to for fresh homemade bread without the fuss of kneading.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • Dough: 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) instant yeast
  • Dough: 1 1/4 teaspoons (8 g) salt
  • Dough: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) lukewarm water

Instructions

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Step 1:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, instant yeast, and salt.
Step 2:
Add the lukewarm water and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
Step 3:
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours, until the surface is dotted with bubbles and dough has doubled in size.
Step 4:
Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it. With floured hands, fold the dough over on itself once or twice. Shape it loosely into a ball.
Step 5:
Place dough seam-side down on a piece of parchment paper. Cover with a towel and let rest for 30–60 minutes while the oven preheats.
Step 6:
Place a Dutch oven (or heavy lidded pot) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes.
Step 7:
Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Lift the dough with parchment paper and lower both into the pot. Cover with the lid.
Step 8:
Bake for 30 minutes (lid on), then remove the lid and bake another 15 minutes, until golden brown and crusty.
Step 9:
Transfer bread to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.
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Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.
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Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.
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A close-up view of airy, artisan The Best Easy No-Knead Bread with a wonderfully crisp crust. Save
A close-up view of airy, artisan The Best Easy No-Knead Bread with a wonderfully crisp crust. | pulseoven.com

This bread always brings my family together fresh from the oven, sharing warm slices and smiles.

Notes

Pairs excellently with soups, cheeses, or olive oil for dipping.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, wooden spoon or spatula, Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot, parchment paper, kitchen towel

Allergen Information

Contains gluten (wheat). Vegan-friendly. Always check packaging for cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.

Homemade The Best Easy No-Knead Bread, perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving with soup. Save
Homemade The Best Easy No-Knead Bread, perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving with soup. | pulseoven.com
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Enjoy baking this easy no-knead bread that fills your home with irresistible aromas.

Recipe FAQs

What makes no-knead bread easy to prepare?

The dough requires minimal mixing and a long resting period, allowing gluten to develop naturally without kneading.

Why is resting the dough important?

Resting for 12–18 hours helps the dough ferment, developing bubbles and enhancing texture and flavor.

Can I add flavors to the dough?

Yes, herbs, seeds, or roasted garlic can be mixed in before the first rise to enhance taste.

What type of cookware is recommended for baking?

A Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot helps trap steam, ensuring a golden crusty exterior.

How do I achieve a chewier crust?

Lightly spraying the dough with water before baking can result in a chewier crust.

What are good pairings with this bread?

This bread pairs well with soups, cheeses, or olive oil for dipping.

Best Easy No-Knead Bread

Crusty and airy loaf requiring minimal effort with simple ingredients, ideal for bread lovers.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
45 min
Overall Time
55 min
Created by Henry Baker


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine International

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Preferences Plant-Based, No Dairy

What You'll Need

Dough

01 3 cups all-purpose flour (approximately 12.75 oz)
02 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
03 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
04 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water (approximately 12 fl oz)

How to Make

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, instant yeast, and salt until evenly distributed.

Step 02

Incorporate water: Add lukewarm water to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.

Step 03

Initial fermentation: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until the dough doubles in size and surface is dotted with bubbles.

Step 04

Shape dough: Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it. With floured hands, fold the dough over itself once or twice, shaping it loosely into a ball.

Step 05

Second rest: Place the dough seam-side down on parchment paper, cover with a towel, and allow to rest for 30 to 60 minutes while preheating the oven.

Step 06

Preheat Dutch oven: Preheat a Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot in the oven at 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes.

Step 07

Transfer dough to pot: Carefully remove the heated pot from the oven, lift the dough with the parchment paper, and lower both into the pot. Cover with the lid.

Step 08

Bake covered: Bake the dough covered for 30 minutes to develop crust and oven spring.

Step 09

Bake uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to achieve a golden, crusty exterior.

Step 10

Cool on rack: Transfer the bread to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before slicing.

Tools Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot
  • Parchment paper
  • Kitchen towel

Allergens

Always review each ingredient for allergens. Ask a healthcare provider if you're not sure.
  • Contains gluten (wheat)

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Use this nutrition estimate as a guideline, but be sure to verify with a health expert if needed.
  • Calories: 135
  • Fats: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 4 g