If you’re looking for an incredibly simple way to make fresh, artisan-style bread at home, this 4-Ingredient No-Knead Bread is the recipe for you. With just a handful of basic ingredients, no kneading, and minimal effort, you’ll have a crusty, golden loaf with a soft, airy interior that rivals bakery bread. Perfect for beginners, this bread is perfect for busy days when you want homemade bread without all the fuss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 4 Ingredients: Flour, water, yeast, and salt—basic pantry staples are all you need!
- No Kneading, No Mixer: Just mix, let time work its magic, and bake. No fancy techniques or equipment required.
- Crusty Outside, Soft Inside: A rustic, crispy crust with a light, airy, and chewy interior, just like artisan bread.
- Customizable: Add your own flavor twists by incorporating herbs, cheese, seeds, or even a little honey for sweetness!
Ingredients (Makes 1 loaf)
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (~100°F / 38°C)
- Optional: 1 tbsp honey or sugar for a slightly sweeter flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Dough (5 minutes)
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast. Pour in the warm water, and stir until a shaggy dough forms, making sure there’s no dry flour left at the bottom of the bowl. Don’t worry about it being perfectly smooth.
2. Let It Rise (12-18 hours!)
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours(overnight works great!). The dough should be bubbly, sticky, and a little puffy when it’s ready.
3. Shape & Rest (30 minutes)
Once the dough has risen, dust your hands with flour and gently shape the dough into a round loaf. Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper, cover it, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat & Bake (45 minutes)
While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven (or any heavy oven-safe pot with a lid) inside the oven to heat up. After 30 minutes, carefully transfer the dough, with the parchment paper, into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the bread is a deep golden brown.
5. Cool & Enjoy!
Let the bread cool for at least 1 hour before slicing (if you can resist!). The crust will be perfectly crispy, and the inside will be soft and airy—ready for all your favorite spreads or simply enjoyed on its own!
Pro Tips for Perfect Bread
- Hot Pot = Crispy Crust: Preheating your Dutch oven ensures that the bread forms a crispy, golden crust as the steam is trapped inside during baking.
- Long Rise = Better Flavor: The longer you let the dough rise (up to 18 hours), the more developed the flavor will be.
- Add-Ins? Feel free to customize the bread with herbs like rosemary, minced garlic, chopped olives, or even grated cheese mixed in for extra flavor.
- Freeze Extras: This bread freezes well! Slice and store in the freezer for later. Perfect for toast!
Final Thoughts
This 4-Ingredient No-Knead Bread is a total game-changer for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. It’s fuss-free, easy to make, and results in a delicious homemade loaf with a perfect combination of crisp crust and soft, chewy interior. No kneading, no mixers, just simple, fresh bread you’ll want to bake again and again!
Your turn! Have you ever made no-knead bread before? What’s your favorite way to customize your loaf? Let me know in the comments! 🍞
