Save A wonderfully crusty, airy artisan-style bread made with minimal effort and simple ingredients–perfect for beginners and bread enthusiasts alike.
This bread quickly became my favorite when I started baking at home because it produces bakery-quality results without complicated steps.
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
- 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.
Save My family loves gathering around this bread fresh from the oven, enjoying it dipped in olive oil or paired with cheese.
Notes
For added flavor, mix in herbs seeds or roasted garlic before the first rise. For a chewier crust, spray the dough lightly with water before baking. 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.
Save 
This no-knead bread is a perfect blend of simplicity and deliciousness waiting to be enjoyed fresh or toasted.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes the bread crusty?
Baking the dough in a preheated Dutch oven traps steam, which helps develop a golden, crunchy crust.
- → Can I add flavors to the dough?
Yes, mixing in herbs, seeds, or roasted garlic before the first rise enhances the bread’s flavor.
- → Is kneading necessary for this bread?
No kneading is required; a simple mix and long resting time allow gluten to develop naturally.
- → How long should the dough rest?
Rest the dough at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours to let it rise and develop bubbles.
- → What tools are needed for baking?
A large bowl, wooden spoon or spatula, Dutch oven with lid, parchment paper, and kitchen towel are essential.