This No-Knead Bread is the easiest recipe ever! Flour, salt, yeast, and water combine then bake in a hot Dutch Oven to make the most delicious crusty bread.

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There are few things I love more than freshly baked bread slathered with butter and sometimes jelly. Something about it feels so old-fashioned, homey, and comforting. Maybe it’s the basicness of it that makes me have all of the feels … or maybe there is some kind of memory that I can’t truly recollect, but it conjures up enough in me that I feel somehow more connected to history or family in something so silly as homemade bread. Do you ever feel like that?

No-Knead Bread

This just might be the world’s easiest bread recipe ever. If the thought of baking bread intimidates you, then this is a good recipe to start with since it’s almost foolproof! If you’re an experienced baker, this is a great recipe for those times when you don’t want to do a bunch of work – this bread recipe almost takes care of itself! Let’s be honest, we all need days like that some times.  😉 The best part? You’ll only need a handful of common ingredients to make this crusty. delicious bread. 

What is No-Knead Bread?

Simply put, it is a type of bread baking method that uses a long fermentation or rising time instead of the traditional kneading method to form strands of gluten that gives bread its texture and chew. Generally, the dough requires little yeast and is wet or sticky. 

Utensils Needed for this Easy Bread Recipe:

• large bowl
• whisk
• spatula
• plastic wrap
• Dutch oven
• parchment paper

Ingredients for Homemade Bread:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1-1/2 cups room temperature water

How to Make Bread:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast. Stir in the water until blended; the dough will be shaggy and sticky. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest 12-18 hours at room temperature.
2. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place in a 6 to 8-quart heavy covered pot in the oven and let it heat for about 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, gently scrape the dough onto a well-floured work surface. Shape the dough into a ball. Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper and cover loosely with plastic wrap.
4. Once the pot is heated, remove the plastic wrap from the dough ball. Carefully lift the dough and parchment paper together and place them so the parchment paper lines the bottom of the pan (NOTE: the pot will be extremely hot so use caution when lowering the parchment paper and dough into the pot!)
5. Cover the pot with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

FAQ – Tips and Tricks:

• Can you knead the bread?

Sure … you could, but that defeats the purpose of no-knead bread! 😉 Take the easy route on this one and use a traditional kneaded bread recipe if you *really* want to knead bread!

• How does No-Knead Bread work?

Instead of the traditional kneading method, many of us are familiar with, No-Knead Bread uses fermentation to form gluten strands that give bread its texture. Most no-knead bread recipes will call for a small amount of yeast and the dough will be wet or sticky. 

• Why is my bread so dense?

This usually happens because there is too much flour. This dough should be sticky and although it might be tempting to add more flour – Don’t do it!! Sometimes, humidity or the age of the flour might affect the density of the bread.

• Why is my bread so gummy?

Check your oven temperature! Gummy bread usually occurs because the crust forms on the bread before the inside has reached its full volume. 

• Why is my bread so flat?

Your yeast may be past its expiration date or the water temperature could have been too hot and killed the yeast. 

How did you like this recipe?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Everyone loves a great homemade bread recipe and this not only easy, but it is also a family favorite! I would love to know about your experiences with the recipe. Please leave me a comment, or ask a question if you have one!

More Awesome Recipes:

If you want more bread recipes to try, I suggest one of these:

• Sausage Bread
• Banana Bread
• Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
• Amish Cinnamon Bread
• No-Knead Skillet Olive Bread
• Southern Cornbread
• BEST Garlic Bread
• Maple Bacon Monkey Bread
• Garlic Cheddar Quick Bread
• Cheesy Breadsticks
• Soft Italian Breadsticks

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