Here’s the easiest, most reliable no-knead bread recipe — crisp crust, chewy interior, bakery-level results with almost no work. It’s the famous “overnight” style loaf baked in a Dutch oven.
🍞 No-Knead Artisan Bread (Overnight)
3 ingredients + water. Zero kneading. Perfect every time.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 1 ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp instant yeast or active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
Instructions
1. Mix the dough (takes 2 minutes)
In a large bowl, stir together:
- Flour
- Salt
- Yeast
Add the warm water and mix with a spoon until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
2. Let rise overnight
Let the dough rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours.
It should triple in size and look bubbly.
3. Shape (no kneading)
Sprinkle flour on a counter.
Gently scrape the dough out and quickly fold it over itself 2–3 times.
Form into a rough ball — perfection not needed.
Let it rest on a floured piece of parchment for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat oven
Place a Dutch oven (with lid) into your oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes.
5. Bake
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven.
Lift the dough using the parchment and place it inside.
- Cover and bake 30 minutes
- Remove lid and bake 10–15 minutes more until deep golden brown
6. Cool
Let cool at least 1 hour before slicing (this finishes the inside texture).
🍯 Variations
- Everything Bagel Loaf: Brush top with water and sprinkle seasoning before baking.
- Rosemary Garlic: Add 1 tbsp chopped rosemary + 2 cloves minced garlic to dough.
- Cheddar Jalapeño: Fold in 1 cup cheddar + 1 chopped jalapeño before shaping.
- Whole Wheat: Use 2 cups white flour + 1 cup whole wheat; increase water by 2–3 tbsp.
If you want, I can also give you:
- No-knead sandwich bread
- No-knead focaccia
- Skillet no-knead bread (no Dutch oven needed)
- 2-hour “speedy” no-knead bread
Just tell me!
