Recipe of No-Knead Homemade Bread: Crispy Crust and Fluffy Crumb with Just 4 Ingredients
Vida Recetas Editorial
Homemade no-knead bread is the easiest way to get artisan bakery bread at home: mix four ingredients, let the dough rest overnight and bake it in a Dutch oven. No kneading, no mixer and no complicated techniques — time does the work for you, and the result is a crispy crust with an open, airy crumb.
This technique, popularized by baker Jim Lahey, relies on a long 12-18 hour rest that develops gluten and flavor without any effort. It is perfect for beginners who have never worked with dough, for those without a stand mixer and for anyone who wants freshly baked bread from basic pantry staples. You only need flour, water, yeast, salt and a lidded pot that can handle oven heat.
Why you will love it
- Only 4 ingredients and no kneading: beginner friendly.
- Crispy crust and open crumb, artisan bakery style.
- Minimal hands-on time: 15 minutes, the rest is waiting.
- Keeps for several days and welcomes seeds, herbs or whole-wheat flours.
Prep
15 min
Cook
45 min
Servings
8
Calories
160 kcal
Ingredients
Directions
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1
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt; in another bowl, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water.
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2
Pour the yeasted water over the flour and stir with a wooden spoon until no dry flour remains; the dough will be sticky and shaggy, that is normal.
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3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours, until the dough is covered in bubbles and has doubled.
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4
Generously flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it; fold it over itself 3-4 times with a spatula, without kneading.
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5
Shape it into a ball, sprinkle the seeds on top if using, place it on a piece of parchment paper dusted with flour and semolina, cover with a cloth and rest for 1-2 more hours.
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6
Place a lidded Dutch oven in the oven and preheat to 250 °C (480 °F) for 30 minutes.
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7
Carefully lower the dough with the paper into the pot, cover and bake for 30 minutes.
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8
Uncover and bake for 10-15 more minutes, until deeply golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
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9
Remove the bread and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is it to prepare No-Knead Homemade Bread: Crispy Crust and Fluffy Crumb with Just 4 Ingredients?
This recipe has a easy difficulty level, which means it's accessible for cooks of all levels.
How long does it take to prepare No-Knead Homemade Bread: Crispy Crust and Fluffy Crumb with Just 4 Ingredients?
The preparation time is 15 minutes and the cooking time is 45 minutes.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed for 8 servings.
Can I substitute some ingredients?
Yes, many ingredients can be substituted with similar alternatives. We recommend checking the recipe variations.
How should I store this preparation?
Store the preparation in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Some preparations can be frozen for up to 3 months.