Easy No-Knead Rustic Artisan Bread

Is there anything more comforting than the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen? This Easy No-Knead Rustic Artisan Bread is a game-changer for home bakers! Whether you’re new to bread-making or just love a fuss-free recipe, this one ticks all the boxes: a beautiful golden crust, a chewy interior, and only 5 minutes of hands-on time. Yes, really! All you need is a bowl, some basic ingredients, and a little patience for the magic of slow fermentation to do its thing.

Let’s dive into this simple yet impressive bread recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Rise Time: 12–18 hours (overnight works beautifully!)
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: ~13–19 hours (but only minutes of active work)
• Servings: 1 large loaf (about 6–8 slices)

Ingredients

The Basics:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chewiness)
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp instant yeast
• 1 ½ cups warm water (not hot!)

How to Make It

1. Mix It Up:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast.
   • Add the warm water and stir until you have a sticky, shaggy dough. No need to knead—just make sure there are no dry spots of flour.
2. Let It Rest (and Do the Work for You):
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
   • Let it sit at room temperature for 12–18 hours. The dough will double in size and develop bubbles on the surface.
3. Shape and Preheat:
   • Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Gently fold it into a ball—don’t overhandle!
   • Place it on a sheet of parchment paper. Let it rest for 30 minutes while your oven preheats to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven (or heavy oven-safe pot with a lid) inside.
4. Bake to Perfection:
   • Carefully transfer the parchment and dough into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
   • Remove the lid and bake for another 10–15 minutes to get that gorgeous golden crust.
5. Cool and Enjoy:
   • Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing (if you can resist!).

Tips & Tricks

• Flour Matters: Bread flour gives extra chewiness, but all-purpose works like a charm.
• No Dutch Oven? No Problem!: Use an oven-safe pot or even a baking sheet with an inverted metal bowl as a makeshift lid.
• For Extra Crunch: Spritz the dough with water before baking to create steam in the oven.
• Storage: Wrap the cooled loaf in a tea towel to keep the crust crisp or store in an airtight container for a softer crust.

Variations

• Cheesy Twist: Add ½ cup of shredded cheese and a pinch of garlic powder for savory goodness.
• Herb-Infused: Mix in 1 tsp dried rosemary or thyme for a fragrant loaf.
• Whole Wheat: Substitute 1 cup of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nutty flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Bread

• Effortless: Just stir, rest, and bake—no kneading required!
• Versatile: Pair it with soups, use it for sandwiches, or simply slather it with butter.
• Impressive: The crusty, artisan-style finish will make you feel like a pro baker.

Pinterest Pro Tip

This no-knead bread is your ticket to stress-free baking success! Pin it now to your #HomemadeBread or #EasyRecipes boards for a go-to crowd-pleaser.

Happy baking! 🥖✨