Best Easy No-Knead Bread

Featured in: Weeknight Bakes

This crusty, airy loaf features an easy no-knead method that requires just mixing simple ingredients and long resting time. The dough develops bubbles naturally during its 12–18 hour fermentation, resulting in a tender crumb and golden crust. Once shaped and baked in a hot covered pot, it yields an artisan-style bread perfect for enjoying alongside soups, cheeses, or olive oil dips. Ideal for beginners and bread lovers seeking minimal effort with fantastic results.

Updated on Sun, 14 Dec 2025 18:27:13 GMT
Golden-brown, crusty loaf of The Best Easy No-Knead Bread cooling on a wire rack. Save
Golden-brown, crusty loaf of The Best Easy No-Knead Bread cooling on a wire rack. | turbobaker.com

The Best Easy No-Knead Bread offers a simple path to homemade artisan-style bread that combines a crusty exterior with a delightfully airy interior. This recipe requires minimal effort and only a handful of everyday ingredients, making it especially appealing for beginners and seasoned bread lovers searching for a reliable staple. The long resting time replaces kneading, resulting in a flavorful loaf with a perfect texture.

Golden-brown, crusty loaf of The Best Easy No-Knead Bread cooling on a wire rack. Save
Golden-brown, crusty loaf of The Best Easy No-Knead Bread cooling on a wire rack. | turbobaker.com

Thanks to the slow rise at room temperature, the dough develops complexity without complicated techniques. Once baked, it yields a beautiful golden crust that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes or simply enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) instant yeast
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons (8 g) salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) lukewarm water
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Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Add Water
Add the lukewarm water and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
3. First Rise
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.
4. Shape Dough
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.
5. Second Rise
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.
6. Preheat Dutch Oven
Place a Dutch oven (or heavy lidded pot) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes.
7. Bake Covered
Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Lift the dough with parchment paper and lower both into the pot. Cover with the lid.
8. Bake Uncovered
Bake for 30 minutes (lid on), then remove the lid and bake another 15 minutes, until golden brown and crusty.
9. Cool
Transfer bread to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Make sure to cover the dough well during the long first rise to prevent drying out. When shaping, handle the dough gently to preserve air bubbles. Use a floured surface and hands to avoid excessive stickiness.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs, seeds, or roasted garlic before the first rise. If you enjoy a chewier crust, lightly spray the dough with water before baking.

Serviervorschläge

This No-Knead Bread pairs excellently with soups, cheeses, or simply dipped in olive oil. It also makes a fantastic base for sandwiches or bruschetta.

Close-up of a beautifully risen The Best Easy No-Knead Bread, ready to slice and serve. Save
Close-up of a beautifully risen The Best Easy No-Knead Bread, ready to slice and serve. | turbobaker.com

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy consistently delicious homemade bread that rivals your favorite bakery. Its ease and excellent flavor truly make it a kitchen favorite to return to time and again.

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Best Easy No-Knead Bread

A crusty, airy loaf made effortlessly with simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time to Cook
45 minutes
Total Duration
55 minutes
Written by Justin Reed


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine International

Amount 8 Number of Servings

Diet Info Plant-Based, No Dairy

What You 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 Cook

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, and salt.

Step 02

Form dough: Add lukewarm water and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.

Step 03

First rest and fermentation: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until bubbles appear and the dough doubles in size.

Step 04

Shape dough: Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out. Fold it over itself once or twice with floured hands and shape into a loose ball.

Step 05

Second proofing: Place the dough seam-side down on parchment paper, cover with a towel, and let rest for 30 to 60 minutes while preheating the oven.

Step 06

Preheat vessel: Place a Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes.

Step 07

Transfer dough to pot: Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven, lift the dough with the parchment paper, and lower both into the pot. Cover with the lid.

Step 08

Bake with lid: Bake for 30 minutes covered to develop a crust.

Step 09

Finish baking uncovered: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp.

Step 10

Cool before slicing: Transfer the loaf to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing.

What You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Dutch oven or heavy lidded pot
  • Parchment paper
  • Kitchen towel

Allergy Details

Double-check each ingredient for possible allergens and always check with your doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains gluten (wheat)

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutritional info is meant to guide, but it's not medical advice.
  • Calorie Count: 135
  • Fats: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 4 g