Brilliant No-Knead Bread Recipe

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Brilliant No-Knead Bread Recipe: Easy, Artisan-Style Bread at Home

Origin of the Recipe

The No-Knead Bread recipe revolutionized home baking when it was popularized by Jim Lahey of Sullivan Street Bakery in New York City. This method simplifies traditional bread-making by eliminating the need for kneading and using a long, slow fermentation process to develop flavor and texture. Inspired by artisan bread techniques, this recipe allows anyone to bake a crusty, chewy loaf with minimal effort and just a few basic ingredients.

Introduction

If you’ve ever wanted to bake artisan-style bread at home but thought it was too complicated, this Brilliant No-Knead Bread Recipe is for you! With just four ingredients and no kneading required, this recipe makes it easy to create a crispy, golden crust and a soft, airy interior. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this bread is a game-changer for homemade baking.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups water (room temperature)

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast.
  2. Add the water and stir until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be sticky and loose.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

  1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  2. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours. The dough will rise and become bubbly.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

  1. After the dough has risen, lightly flour a work surface and your hands.
  2. Gently transfer the dough to the floured surface and fold it over itself a few times to shape it into a ball.
  3. Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper and cover it with a towel. Let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare

  1. While the dough rests, place a Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot with a lid in the oven.
  2. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and let the Dutch oven heat for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

  1. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven.
  2. Lift the parchment paper with the dough and place it into the Dutch oven.
  3. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
  4. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

  1. Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Tips for Success

  • Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients for the most accurate results.
  • For a crispier crust, spritz the dough with water before baking.
  • Experiment with different flours, such as whole wheat or bread flour, for unique textures and flavors.
  • Store leftover bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a kitchen towel to maintain its crust.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approx.)

  • Calories: 120
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 0.5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Calcium: 1% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Iron: 6% of the DV

(Values are approximate and depend on the specific ingredients used.)

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients:

  • Flour: Provides carbohydrates for energy and small amounts of protein.
  • Yeast: Adds B vitamins and helps with digestion.
  • Water: Essential for hydration and dough formation.
  • Salt: Enhances flavor and regulates yeast activity.

Related Recipes

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Conclusion

This Brilliant No-Knead Bread Recipe is a simple, foolproof way to bake artisan-style bread at home. With its crispy crust, chewy interior, and minimal effort, it’s perfect for anyone who loves fresh bread but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Try it today and enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own loaf!

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