Best Easy No-Knead Bread (Print Version)

Whip up an airy artisan-style loaf with few ingredients and long rest for crisp crust and soft crumb.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
03 - 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
04 - 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, instant yeast, and salt.
02 - Add lukewarm water and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
03 - Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, until surface has bubbles and dough has doubled in size.
04 - Lightly flour work surface and turn dough out onto it. With floured hands, fold dough over itself once or twice and loosely shape into a ball.
05 - Place dough seam-side down on parchment paper, cover with a towel, and let rest 30 to 60 minutes while preheating the oven.
06 - Place Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot in oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes.
07 - Carefully remove hot pot from oven, lift dough with parchment paper, and lower both into pot. Cover with lid.
08 - Bake for 30 minutes with lid on.
09 - Remove lid and bake an additional 15 minutes until bread is golden brown and crusty.
10 - Transfer bread to wire rack and allow to cool completely before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Minimal effort required
  • Delicious crusty artisan bread
02 -
  • Resting time is crucial for texture
  • Use lukewarm water to activate yeast properly
03 -
  • Use a Dutch oven to trap steam for a crisp crust
  • Let bread cool completely before slicing to avoid gummy texture
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