The Joy of Baking Artisan Bread at Home

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen. This no-knead artisan yeast bread is not just a recipe; it’s an experience! Perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros, this simple yet satisfying recipe requires minimal effort while delivering a crusty exterior and a soft, chewy interior. Whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner, an impressive brunch, or simply a personal treat, this bread has earned its place in my heart—and on my table.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets this recipe apart is its sheer simplicity and the impressive results it yields. There’s no need for complicated techniques or specialized equipment; just mix a few ingredients and let time do the work. It’s incredibly budget-friendly, making it perfect for any household, and the natural fermentation process creates depth of flavor that rivals store-bought bread. You can customize this bread with your favorite ingredients, all while preparing it in the comfort of your own home.

"I never thought I could make bread this good! It turned out perfect—golden crust, soft inside, and so tasty. I’ll definitely be making this again!" – A Happy Baker

Preparing World’s Easiest Yeast Bread Recipe – Artisan, No Knead

Step-by-step Instructions

Ready to bake? Here’s the quick overview: you’ll mix the ingredients, let the dough rise, shape it, and then bake it in a hot Dutch oven. It’s that easy! This approachable method allows for flexibility, making it a breeze for any level of home cook.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Gather Your Ingredients

Flour: 3 cups (450g) – all-purpose or plain
Yeast: 2 tsp instant or rapid rise (or see Note 2 for active dry yeast)
Salt: 2 tsp cooking or kosher salt (not table salt, Note 3)
Water: 1 ½ cups (375ml) very warm tap water (not boiling, should be up to 55°C/130°F, Note 4)
Extra flour: 1 ½ tbsp for dusting

Feel free to experiment with different flours, like whole wheat or spelt, to switch up the flavor profile!

Step-by-Step Guide

Directions

Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Pour in the warm water and mix using the handle of a wooden spoon until everything is well combined. You should have a wet, sticky dough—not kneadable, but not runny, either. Adjust with more water or flour for consistency if needed.
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Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a plate and leave it at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or until it doubles in size and looks bubbly.
Optional Refrigeration: If desired, refrigerate the dough for a few hours to enhance flavor. If refrigerating, take it out about 45-60 minutes before baking to allow it to warm up.
Preheat Oven: Place a Dutch oven (at least 10 inches) in your oven and preheat to 230°C (450°F) for 30 minutes.
Shape the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out. Sprinkle a little more flour on top. Fold the dough sides in about 6 times to form a rough round shape.
Transfer: Flip the dough onto a large piece of parchment paper, seam side down. Reshape if needed but don’t stress about perfection.
Bake: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven and place the dough (with the parchment) inside. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for an additional 12 minutes until golden and crispy.
Cool: Let the bread cool on a rack for 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Best Way to Serve

Serving Ideas

Serve your freshly baked bread warm, with a smear of butter or a drizzle of olive oil for dipping. It pairs beautifully with soups, salads, or as a base for delicious sandwiches. Consider slicing it for breakfast toast topped with avocado, or use it to soak up savory sauces at dinner!

Storage Tips

Best Way to Store World’s Easiest Yeast Bread Recipe – Artisan, No Knead

To keep your bread fresh longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. If you want to maintain that crusty exterior, storing it in a bread box is ideal. For longer storage, it can be frozen! Just slice before freezing so you can grab a piece whenever the craving strikes.

Pro Chef Tips

Expert Advice

Don’t rush the rising: Allow ample time for the dough to rise; it’s key for flavor and texture.
Use the right salt: Kosher salt or cooking salt is essential because table salt is too fine and can affect the rise of the dough.
Keep it warm: If your kitchen is cool, try placing the dough near a warm oven or in a turned-off oven.

Creative Twists

Flavor Variations

This recipe is wonderfully versatile! Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist. Chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese can also elevate your bread. For a slightly sweet version, mix in a tablespoon or two of honey or a dash of cinnamon.

Your Questions Answered

FAQ

How long does it take to rise?
- Generally, it takes about 2-3 hours at room temperature. If cooler, it may take longer.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
- Yes! You can use active dry yeast, just make sure to activate it first in warm water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the flour.
Can I refrigerate the dough overnight?
- Absolutely! In fact, refrigerating the dough for up to 3 days can enhance the flavor, just remember to take it out and let it warm up before baking.

Now that you have the complete lowdown on this no-knead yeast bread, gather your ingredients and give it a go! Happy baking!

Artisan No-Knead Bread

Total Time: 57 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A simple, no-knead artisan yeast bread recipe that delivers a crusty exterior and soft, chewy interior, perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups (450g) all-purpose flour
2 tsp instant yeast
2 tsp kosher salt
1 ½ cups (375ml) very warm tap water
1 ½ tbsp extra flour for dusting

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Pour in warm water and mix until well combined to form a wet, sticky dough.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a plate and let it rise at room temperature for 2-3 hours until doubled in size.
If desired, refrigerate the dough for a few hours to enhance flavor, but bring it to room temperature before baking.
Preheat the oven with a Dutch oven inside to 230°C (450°F) for 30 minutes.
On a floured surface, turn out the dough and shape it into a rough round by folding the sides in about 6 times.
Transfer the dough onto parchment paper, seam side down.
Carefully place the dough (with parchment) into the hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake for an additional 12 minutes until golden and crispy.
Cool on a rack for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For added flavor, customize with herbs, olives, or cheeses. Keep your bread fresh by wrapping it tightly or storing in a bread box.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 42 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 180
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: artisan bread, no-knead bread, easy bread recipe, homemade bread, baking