Foolproof Artisan No Knead Bread (Printable)

Rustic, crusty loaf with chewy interior requiring no kneading—perfect for beginners seeking bakery results at home.

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 3 1/4 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast

→ Wet Ingredients

04 - 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water (100°F)

→ For Dusting

05 - Extra flour or cornmeal for work surface

# How-To:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and instant yeast until evenly combined.
02 - Add the lukewarm water and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. The sticky consistency is normal and necessary.
03 - Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let rest at room temperature (70–75°F) for 12–18 hours until the surface is dotted with bubbles and the dough has doubled in size.
04 - Lightly flour a work surface. Scrape the dough onto the surface and, with floured hands, gently shape it into a round ball without deflating it.
05 - Place the dough seam side down on parchment paper dusted with flour or cornmeal. Cover with a towel and let rest for 30–60 minutes until slightly puffed.
06 - Place a Dutch oven with its lid in the oven. Preheat to 450°F for at least 30 minutes to ensure the pot is thoroughly hot.
07 - Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven. Using the parchment paper as a sling, lift the dough and place it (parchment and all) into the pot. Cover immediately with the lid.
08 - Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on to create steam and develop the crust.
09 - Remove the lid and continue baking for 12–15 minutes until the loaf is deep golden brown and the crust is hard and crispy.
10 - Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing. Cutting while warm will result in a gummy texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect for busy people who want bakery results at home
  • The overnight rise develops incredible flavor without any effort
  • That crackling crust sound when it cools is pure kitchen magic
02 -
  • The dough will seem impossibly sticky and messy, this is exactly right
  • Letting the bread cool completely before slicing prevents the inside from becoming gummy
  • A hot Dutch oven creates steam for that professional bakery crust
03 -
  • The Dutch oven must be fully hot before adding the dough for proper oven spring
  • Measuring ingredients by weight gives more consistent results than cup measurements

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