Quick And Easy No-Knead Bread

Quick and easy no-knead bread is the answer when I want fresh, crusty, homemade bread without the time or effort of traditional baking. With just a few pantry staples and a single bowl, this recipe transforms into a beautifully golden loaf with a crisp crust and soft, airy interior—all without kneading or special equipment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this no-knead bread because it gives me bakery-quality results with barely any hands-on time. There’s no mixer, no kneading, and no complicated shaping—just stir, rise, and bake. It’s perfect when I want warm bread for dinner or a rustic loaf for sandwiches and soups, and it never fails to impress with its texture and flavor.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Active dry yeast

• Warm water

• Salt

• Optional: olive oil or herbs for added flavor

Directions

1. In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt.

2. I pour in the warm water and stir everything together with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.

3. I cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours, or until doubled in size and bubbly on the surface.

4. Once risen, I preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven (or oven-safe pot with lid) inside to heat for 30 minutes.

5. While the pot is heating, I lightly flour my hands and gently shape the dough into a round or oval. I let it rest on parchment paper.

6. Carefully, I remove the hot pot from the oven, lift the dough with the parchment paper, and place it inside.

7. I cover the pot and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the crust is deep golden and crisp.

8. I let the bread cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields one medium-sized loaf, which gives me about 8–10 slices. It takes only 5 minutes to mix the dough, 3 to 4 hours to rise, and about 45 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, I usually set aside around 5 hours total from start to finish—most of which is hands-off.

Variations

When I want to switch things up, I like trying different flavors and add-ins:

• Add chopped rosemary or thyme to the dough for an herby version.

• Stir in a handful of shredded cheese or chopped olives before rising.

• Use whole wheat flour for half the amount to make it heartier.

• Sprinkle the top with sea salt or seeds before baking for a crunchy finish.

storage/reheating

Once completely cooled, I wrap the bread in a clean towel or store it in a paper bag to keep the crust crisp for up to 2 days. For longer storage, I keep it in an airtight container or plastic bag for up to 4 days—though the crust will soften. I toast leftover slices or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I let the dough rise overnight?

Yes, I often let the dough rise overnight in the fridge for even better flavor. I just bring it to room temperature before baking.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

I’ve also baked this bread on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan, though the crust won’t be as crisp. A covered casserole dish or oven-safe pot works well too.

Can I use instant yeast?

Yes, I substitute it one-for-one with active dry yeast and follow the same steps—no changes needed.

Why is my dough so sticky?

It’s supposed to be sticky! That’s what helps create the open, airy texture. I avoid adding too much extra flour unless shaping becomes impossible.

Can I freeze this bread?

Definitely. I slice the cooled loaf, freeze the slices in a zip-top bag, and toast them straight from frozen whenever I want fresh bread in minutes.

Conclusion

Quick and easy no-knead bread is one of my go-to recipes for a reason—it’s effortless, foolproof, and tastes like it came from an artisan bakery. Whether I’m baking for guests or just treating myself to something special, this crusty loaf is always a winner. It’s a simple joy that brings fresh bread into my home without stress or mess.