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Easy Foolproof Homemade Bread No-Knead Method Recipe for Perfect Soft Loaf

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A simple no-knead bread recipe that yields a crusty outside and soft, airy inside loaf with minimal effort and ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, preferably unbleached
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) warm water (around 75°F / 24°C)
  • Optional: up to 1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour to replace all-purpose flour
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil for softer crumb
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon (7 g) honey or sugar for slight sweetness

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt. Stir well to distribute evenly (about 2 minutes).
  2. Gradually pour in 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) warm water while mixing with a wooden spoon until a shaggy, sticky dough forms (3-4 minutes).
  3. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until nearly doubled and bubbly.
  4. About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot with lid inside.
  5. Lightly flour a work surface and gently tip the dough out. Fold it over itself once or twice to form a rough ball. Let it rest covered for 30 minutes.
  6. Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven, place the dough ball inside (use parchment paper if desired), cover with lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
  7. Remove the lid and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and crackly.
  8. Transfer the bread to a wire rack and cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

If dough is too sticky when shaping, dust hands and surface lightly with flour. Tent bread with foil if crust browns too quickly. For deeper flavor, refrigerate dough overnight up to 24 hours and bring to room temperature before baking. Use parchment paper for easier handling in hot pot. Cooling bread before slicing improves texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-knead bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, soft loaf, crusty bread, no kneading, beginner bread recipe

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/easy-foolproof-homemade-bread-no-knead-method-recipe-for-perfect-soft-loaf/