No-Knead Homemade Bread Recipe: Easy, Fluffy, and Perfect for Beginners

Discover the joy of baking with this no-knead bread recipe that’s perfect for beginners and busy home cooks. This easy homemade bread requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and texture. With simple pantry ingredients and a hands-off approach, you’ll enjoy soft, fluffy bread that’s ideal for sandwiches, toast, or simply savoring on its own. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a delicious loaf that will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread.

Ingredients

• Water: 200 ml (0.85 cups)
• Sugar: 25 g (2 tablespoons)
• Yeast: 3 g (1 teaspoon)
• Bread Flour: 300 g (2 cups)
• Salt: 3 g (1/2 teaspoon)
• Olive Oil: 20 g (2 tablespoons)

Instructions

Prepare the Liquid Mixture

In a large bowl, combine 200 ml of water, 25 g of sugar, and 3 g of yeast. Stir until the sugar and yeast dissolve completely.

Mix the Dough

Gradually add 300 g of bread flour and 3 g of salt to the wet mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Add 20 g of olive oil and use a spatula to incorporate it fully into the dough.

First Rest

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 20 minutes.

Briefly Knead

After resting, stir the dough once more until smooth. This helps the dough rise without traditional kneading.

First Proof

Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape the Dough

Flour a clean surface and transfer the dough. Press it to remove air bubbles, then fold it into a round ball. Divide the dough into 3 equal parts and shape each into a tight ball. Let them rest for 15 minutes.

Mold and Second Proof

Shape each dough portion to fit a 20.8×11.8×11 cm loaf pan. Place them in the pans, cover, and let rise for 50 minutes or until they fill 80-90% of the pans.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before slicing.

Tips and Variations

• Oil Substitute: Use sunflower, vegetable, or canola oil instead of olive oil.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace bread flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum.
• Add-Ins: Incorporate herbs, seeds, or nuts for extra flavor.

Storage

Store in a sealed container at room temperature for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Kneading Required: Perfect for beginners.
• Diet-Friendly: No eggs or butter.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples.