Easy No-Knead Artisan Bread Recipe

Rustic No-Knead Artisan Bread Recipe: Bakery-Fresh at Home

Crafting a delightful no-knead artisan bread recipe brings pure joy to home bakers seeking simplicity and flavor.

Novice and experienced cooks alike can master this magical technique with minimal effort.

Soft, crusty loaves emerge from your kitchen without complex techniques or extensive preparation.

Professional bakery results happen right on your countertop with just a few basic ingredients.

Minimal mixing creates maximum satisfaction when you pull a golden, crackling loaf from the oven.

Flour, water, yeast, and salt combine in a transformative process that feels almost miraculous.

Slice into this warm, aromatic bread and savor the incredible texture that proves anyone can become an exceptional baker.

No-Knead Bread That’s Foolproof and Crusty

  • Minimal Effort Masterpiece: This no-knead bread recipe eliminates the tedious kneading process, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned pros.
  • Foolproof Artisan Magic: Achieve bakery-quality bread right in your home kitchen with just four simple ingredients, creating a stunning crusty exterior and soft, tender interior.
  • Flexible Timing Wonder: The long, slow fermentation allows busy home cooks to work around their schedule, preparing the dough when convenient and baking when ready.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a warm, freshly baked loaf that brings instant comfort and joy to family meals, weekend gatherings, or casual dinner parties with minimal hands-on preparation.

Easy Artisan Bread Ingredient Guide

Dry Ingredients:
  • Bread Flour: High-protein flour perfect for creating a chewy bread texture.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth.
  • Instant Yeast: Quick-acting leavening agent for bread rise.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Water: Hydrates and binds the dry ingredients together.
Optional Toppings/Extras:
  • Parchment Paper, Flour: Helps prevent sticking and supports dough shaping.

No-Knead Artisan Bread Preparation

Step 1: Mix Flour and Wet Ingredients

Create a magical dough by combining bread flour, salt, and yeast in a spacious mixing bowl. Pour in water and stir until the mixture transforms into a shaggy, rough-looking blend. Don’t worry about making it perfect – the beauty of this bread is its rustic nature.

  • Bread flour
  • Salt
  • Yeast
  • Water

Gently mix until ingredients are just combined, leaving some lumps and uneven spots.

Step 2: Let the Dough Develop Flavor

Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rest at room temperature. This slow fermentation will develop deep, complex flavors over 12-18 hours. The dough will become puffy and bubbly, showing signs of fermentation.

Step 3: Shape the Artisan Loaf

Sprinkle a clean work surface with flour. Carefully transfer the risen dough onto the surface. Gently fold the edges towards the center, creating a soft, rounded shape. Use light touches to form a beautiful round loaf without deflating the precious air bubbles.

Step 4: Prepare for Final Rise

Place the shaped dough on a piece of parchment paper. Loosely cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let the bread rise for another 2 hours, allowing it to become light and airy.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside. Carefully transfer the dough (on the parchment paper) into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes to create steam and develop a crispy crust. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the bread turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Resist the temptation to cut immediately! Let the bread cool completely for at least an hour. This allows the interior to set and prevents a gummy texture. Slice, serve, and savor your homemade artisan bread.

Handy Notes for Artisan Bread

  • Boost Yeast Performance: Use fresh, active dry yeast and ensure water temperature is lukewarm (around 110°F) to activate it perfectly without killing the yeast.
  • Perfect Flour Power: Choose high-protein bread flour for better gluten development and a chewier, more authentic artisan texture.
  • Moisture Magic: Keep the dough covered with a damp cloth during long fermentation to prevent drying out and create a more elastic structure.
  • Steam Secret: Placing a water-filled pan in the oven or using a Dutch oven helps create a crispy, golden crust by generating steam during baking.
  • Storage Savvy: Store cooled bread in a paper bag at room temperature for 2-3 days, or slice and freeze for up to a month to maintain freshness.

Easy No-Knead Artisan Bread: Storage Tips That Work

  • Store leftover bread in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag for 3-4 days. Keep at room temperature to maintain texture and prevent staleness.
  • Wrap completely cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best results.
  • Cut bread into individual slices, separate with parchment paper, and place in freezer bag. Toast directly from frozen for quick reheating.
  • Sprinkle water on bread surface, wrap in foil, and warm in 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes. Crisp exterior will return to life like fresh-baked bread.

No-Knead Bread Flavor Matches

  • Savor Rustic Charcuterie Companions: Pair this artisan bread with a selection of aged cheddar, prosciutto, and fig jam for a delightful flavor explosion.
  • Create Wine-Bread Harmony: Match the crusty loaf with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complement its hearty texture and enhance the bread's subtle yeast notes.
  • Craft Mediterranean Dipping Feast: Serve alongside extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkle of herbs for an authentic, aromatic appetizer experience that brings out the bread's rustic charm.
  • Elevate Soup Sidekick Strategy: Use thick slices as a perfect dunking companion for creamy tomato soup or hearty minestrone, allowing the bread to soak up rich, warming flavors.

Bread Add-Ons and Mix Ideas

  • Whole Wheat Wonder: Replace half the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more nutritious loaf with added fiber and a rustic texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap bread flour for a gluten-free flour blend containing xanthan gum, ensuring the same soft interior and crispy crust for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Herb-Infused Bread: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano during the initial mixing stage to create an aromatic, savory bread perfect for serving with soups or salads.
  • Seeded Sensation: Sprinkle a mix of sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds on top of the dough before the second rise for added crunch and nutritional boost.

FAQs

  • Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While bread flour has higher protein content that creates better gluten structure, you can substitute all-purpose flour. However, the bread might be slightly less chewy and have a less robust texture.

  • What if I don't have a Dutch oven?

You can use a heavy ceramic or cast-iron pot with a lid. If unavailable, place a metal pan with water on the bottom rack to create steam, which helps develop a crispy crust.

  • How do I know if my yeast is still active?

Dissolve yeast in warm water (around 110°F). If it becomes foamy and bubbles within 5-10 minutes, the yeast is active and ready to use. If no reaction occurs, your yeast might be expired.

  • Why is my dough too wet or sticky?

Different flour brands absorb water differently. Add flour gradually during mixing if the dough seems too wet. The consistency should be shaggy but not runny.

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Easy No-Knead Artisan Bread Recipe

Easy No-Knead Artisan Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rustic homemade no-knead artisan bread delivers golden-crusted perfection with minimal effort. Crusty exterior and tender crumb invite bakers to savor simple Mediterranean-inspired comfort right from their kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 480 grams (3.54 cups) bread flour
  • 360 grams (1.5 cups) water

Secondary Ingredients:

  • 9 grams (1.5 teaspoons) salt

Leavening Agent:

  • 3 grams (1/2 teaspoon) instant yeast

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients like bread flour, salt, and yeast in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a uniform powder blend.
  2. Pour room-temperature water into the dry mixture, stirring until a rough, uneven dough emerges with visible flour pockets.
  3. Drape a slightly dampened cloth over the bowl, allowing the dough to rest and ferment at ambient temperature for 12-18 hours, watching it expand and develop complex flavors.
  4. Generously dust a clean countertop with flour, gently transferring the risen dough onto the surface without deflating its delicate structure.
  5. Use soft, careful motions to fold the dough edges toward its center, gradually creating a rounded, smooth loaf with tension.
  6. Position the shaped dough onto parchment paper, lightly covering it to prevent moisture loss during a final 2-hour proofing period.
  7. Position a heavy Dutch oven inside the oven, preheating to a scorching 450°F to create an ideal baking environment.
  8. Carefully slide the parchment-wrapped dough into the heated Dutch oven, covering immediately to trap steam and promote crust development.
  9. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the lid to allow the exterior to transform into a golden, crispy shell during the final 15-20 minutes.
  10. Transfer the freshly baked bread to a cooling rack, allowing it to rest and settle for optimal texture before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Flour matters most, so use high-protein bread flour for the best texture and rise.
  • Let the dough ferment slowly at room temperature to develop complex, tangy sourdough-like flavors.
  • Minimal handling keeps the bread tender, so fold gently and avoid overworking the dough.
  • Preheating the Dutch oven creates a steamy environment, giving the bread a crispy, golden crust and perfect chew.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 0.75g
  • Fat: 0.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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