Print

The Best No-Knead Bread Loaf

Close-up of freshly sliced no-knead bread with a golden crust and airy, soft interior on a wooden cutting board.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

No-knead bread is a simple, rustic artisan loaf made with just four ingredients and no kneading required. Its long fermentation time delivers a chewy, airy crumb and a crispy golden crust, all with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • Bread Flour – provides high protein for structure and chew
  • Warm Water – activates the yeast and hydrates the dough
  • Instant or Active Dry Yeast – allows the bread to rise over time
  • Salt – enhances flavor and regulates fermentation
  • Optional: Cornmeal or extra flour – used for dusting to prevent sticking

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and yeast.
  2. Add warm water and stir until a sticky dough forms. No kneading needed.
  3. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours.
  4. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and gently shape into a round loaf.
  5. Let the dough rest for 30–60 minutes while preheating the oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside.
  6. Transfer the dough to the hot Dutch oven (use parchment paper for easier handling).
  7. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
  8. Let the bread chill for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the crumb to set.

Notes

  • Use a Dutch oven to trap steam and create a crispy crust.
  • Allow the dough to ferment longer for deeper flavor.
  • Handle the dough gently to maintain air bubbles for an open crumb.
  • Let the loaf cool fully to avoid a gummy interior.
  • Experiment with flavor add-ins like herbs, cheese, or olives.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeeasily.com/no-knead-bread/