No-Knead Everyday Bread (No Eggs, No Butter!)
Ingredients
- 500 g all-purpose flour (about 4 cups)
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar (helps activate yeast)
- 1 tsp instant yeast (or 7 g active dry yeast)
- 350 ml warm water (1 ½ cups), not hot
Instructions
1. Mix the dough (no kneading!)
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Flour
- Salt
- Sugar
- Yeast
- Pour in the warm water.
- Stir with a spoon until a slightly sticky dough forms.
- It will look messy — this is perfect!
2. Let it rise
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel.
- Let it rise for 1–2 hours in a warm spot until doubled in size.
3. Shape (still no kneading)
- Once risen, flour your hands and the surface lightly.
- Gently scrape the dough out onto the surface.
- Fold the dough over itself 2–3 times to shape it into a rough ball or oval.
- No kneading — just fold!
4. Second rise
- Transfer dough onto parchment paper.
- Cover and let rest for 20–30 minutes while the oven preheats.
5. Preheat the oven
- Preheat to 230°C / 450°F.
- Place a Dutch oven (or heavy pot with lid) inside to heat up.
- If you don’t have one, I’ll give alternatives below.
6. Bake
Using Dutch oven (best method)
- Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven.
- Lift the dough with parchment paper and place it inside.
- Cover with lid and bake 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake another 10–15 minutes until deep golden and crisp.
Without a Dutch oven
- Place dough on a baking tray.
- Add a small oven-safe bowl of water on the bottom rack (for steam).
- Bake 30–35 minutes until golden.
7. Cool
Let the bread cool on a rack for at least 20–30 minutes before slicing.
This gives the crumb time to set and prevents gummy texture.
Tips for Perfect No-Knead Bread
- If dough is too sticky → add 1–2 tbsp flour.
- If dough is too dry → add 1–2 tbsp water.
- For extra flavor: add herbs, garlic powder, or seeds.