The Easiest Homemade Bread You’ll Ever Make

Pull up a chair, my fellow bread enthusiasts, because I’m about to share with you a game-changer of a recipe – no-knead artisan bread that you can make right at home. That’s right, no more kneading, no more sweating over a stand mixer, and no more excuses for not baking your own bread. This is the kind of recipe that will have you wondering why you ever bought store-bought loaves in the first place.

RecipeTin Eats has done us all a huge favor by sharing this phenomenal bread recipe. It’s easy, it’s foolproof, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. We’re talking bakery-worthy loaves with a thick, crispy crust and a chewy, airy crumb, just like your favorite sourdough. And the best part? You don’t need any special equipment, just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience.

The Secret to Artisan Bread at Home

So, what’s the secret to this no-knead bread magic? It all comes down to the dough. By creating a very wet, loose dough, we’re able to develop a beautiful web of gluten without any actual kneading. This high-hydration dough is the key to that signature artisan texture – big, irregular holes and a chewy, satisfying crumb.

The other crucial component is the cooking method. We’re going to be baking this bread in a preheated Dutch oven (or any heavy, lidded pot) to mimic the steam-injected ovens used in professional bakeries. This creates the perfect environment for the bread to rise and develop that gorgeous crust.

Ingredients and Prep

Now, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this no-knead artisan bread:

• Flour – Bread flour is ideal, but all-purpose flour will also work. The higher protein content of bread flour just helps create an even airier, chewier crumb.
• Yeast – You can use either instant or active dry yeast. The method will be slightly different, but the end result will be the same.
• Salt – A must for bringing out all the wonderful flavors.
• Water – Warm water helps activate the yeast.

That’s it! No fancy equipment, no complicated steps – just a simple mix-and-wait process. Once you’ve combined the dry ingredients and added the water, you’ll cover the dough and let it rise for 2 hours. During this time, the yeast will work its magic, transforming the dough into a bubbly, wobbly, absolutely irresistible mass.

The Rise and the Bake

Now, here’s where the fun really begins. After that initial rise, you have two options: bake it right away, or let the dough hang out in the fridge for 8 to 72 hours. I know, it’s hard to resist the urge to bake it immediately, but trust me, the extra time in the fridge is worth it. It allows the flavors to develop and the gluten to strengthen, resulting in an even more incredible loaf.

When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and Dutch oven to a scorching 450°F. Gently transfer the dough into the hot pot, cover, and let the magic happen. The steam created by the lidded pot will give your bread an amazing rise, while the high heat will create that signature crackly crust.

The Moment of Truth

After 30 minutes of baking with the lid on, you’ll remove the lid and let the bread finish for another 12 minutes, until it’s a gorgeous golden brown. And the best part? You don’t even have to worry about shaping the dough – it will naturally spread and puff up, creating those beautiful, rustic ridges on the surface.

Once the bread comes out of the oven, resist the urge to slice into it right away. Let it cool for 10 minutes first, as this allows the interior to finish cooking and the crust to set. Then, go ahead and dig in – you’ll be rewarded with a bread that’s truly worthy of any artisan bakery, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Endless Possibilities

The beauty of this no-knead artisan bread is that it’s just the beginning. Once you master the basic recipe, the possibilities are endless. You can experiment with different flours, add-ins like cheese or herbs, or even turn it into the best grilled cheese sandwich you’ve ever had.

And the best part? You can make this bread without a Dutch oven. Bowl of Delicious has a great method for baking it on a regular baking sheet, using a pan of hot water to create that same steamy environment.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress yourself and everyone around you with the most delicious, easy-to-make no-knead artisan bread. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought loaves again. Happy baking, my friends!