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Easy No-Knead Crusty Bread Recipe

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4.3 from 60 reviews

  • Author: Mary & Susan
  • Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 1.5 pounds)

Description

This Easy No-Knead Crusty Bread recipe is perfect for home bakers looking to enjoy fresh, artisan-style bread without the hassle of kneading. With simple ingredients and a minimal hands-on approach, this bread yields a crispy golden crust and a soft, airy interior, making it ideal for sandwiches, toast, or as an accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 cups warm water (110 – 120°F)

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
  2. Add Water and Mix: Pour in the warm water and stir vigorously with a sturdy spoon until the dough is fully combined. The texture should be wet and shaggy but not runny, indicating proper hydration.
  3. First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 2 to 3 hours, or until it has doubled in size, developing flavor and texture.
  4. Optional Refrigeration: For enhanced flavor, after the dough has doubled, you can refrigerate it covered for up to 12 hours before baking. This step is optional and can be skipped if baking immediately.
  5. Preheat Oven and Dutch Oven: Place a Dutch oven with its lid inside your oven and preheat the oven to 450°F. Heating the Dutch oven ensures a crispy crust.
  6. Shape the Dough: When the oven is preheated, lightly flour a work surface and scrape the dough onto it. Shape it roughly into a ball — perfection is not necessary as it will take shape during baking. Place the dough seam side down on a piece of parchment paper.
  7. Bake Covered: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven, transfer the dough along with the parchment paper into the Dutch oven, cover it with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. This traps steam to create the crust.
  8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and the crust becomes crispy.
  9. Cool and Serve: Using the parchment paper, lift the bread out of the Dutch oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool for 1 hour before slicing to ensure the crumb sets properly. Enjoy your homemade crusty bread!

Notes

  • You can substitute instant yeast with active dry yeast by dissolving it in warm water for 5-10 minutes before mixing with the dry ingredients.
  • Allowing the dough to rest overnight in the refrigerator develops more complex flavors.
  • Be cautious when removing the hot Dutch oven from the oven to avoid burns.
  • This recipe is forgiving with shaping—no need for perfect form.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://mysimpledish.com/easy-no-knead-crusty-bread-recipe/