No-Knead Artisan Bread Recipe: Easy, Impressive, and Perfectly Crusty
Discover the secret to making a no-knead artisan bread that’s incredibly simple yet always impresses your guests. This easy bread recipe requires minimal effort but delivers a perfectly crusty exterior and a soft, airy interior. Ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this homemade bread is a game-changer for your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of regular flour – The base for your bread, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Half a teaspoon of dry yeast – The magic ingredient that helps the bread rise without kneading.
- 1 and a half teaspoons of salt – Enhances flavor and balances the yeast’s activity.
- 1 and 1/2 cups of lukewarm water (around 110°F) – Activates the yeast and brings the dough together.
Preparation
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the lukewarm water and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Avoid overmixing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours. This long rise develops flavor and texture.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a covered Dutch oven inside for 30 minutes to heat up. Meanwhile, gently shape the dough into a round loaf on a floured surface. Carefully transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve and enjoy the aromatic, crusty perfection of this no-knead artisan bread!