Crusty on the outside, soft inside – with just 4 ingredients and zero kneading!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ No kneading, no mixer – just mix and let time do the work
✔️ Artisan-style crust – crackly and golden
✔️ Customizable – add herbs, cheese, or seeds
✔️ Uses basic pantry staples – flour, water, yeast, salt
Ingredients
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chew)
- 1¼ tsp (8g) salt
- ¼ tsp (1g) instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
- 1½ cups (360ml) warm water (100°F/38°C)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary
- ½ cup grated cheddar
- 3 cloves minced garlic
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Mix the Dough (5 mins)
- Whisk flour, salt, yeast in a large bowl.
- Add warm water, stir until a shaggy dough forms.
2️⃣ First Rise (12-18 hrs)
- Cover with plastic wrap/towel.
- Let sit at room temp until bubbly & doubled.
3️⃣ Shape & Rest (30 mins)
- Transfer dough to floured surface.
- Fold edges into center 4-5 times to form a loose ball.
- Place on parchment paper, cover, rest 30 mins.
4️⃣ Preheat & Bake (45 mins)
- Preheat Dutch oven at 450°F (230°C) for 20 mins.
- Transfer dough to pot using parchment as a sling.
- Bake covered 30 mins, then uncovered 10-15 mins.
5️⃣ Cool & Slice
- Let cool 1 hour on wire rack before cutting.
Pro Tips
🌿 Flavor Boost: Mix in rosemary + garlic before the first rise.
🔥 Extra Crispy Crust: Spritz dough with water before baking.
🍞 Storage: Keep in a paper bag (not plastic!) for 2 days.
FAQs
Q: Can I use active dry yeast?
A: Yes! Use same amount – no need to proof first.
Q: No Dutch oven?
A: Use any oven-safe pot with lid, or bake on a sheet with a bowl covering it.
Q: How to freeze?
A: Slice, wrap in foil, freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in oven.
Nutrition (Per Slice)
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | 25g | 4g | 1g |
Plain version, 12 slices per loaf
Homemade bread has never been easier!
👉 Tag your loaf #NoKneadMagic 🧙♂️🔥
