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Easy No-Knead Artisan Bread Overnight Recipe Perfect for Beginners

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A simple no-knead artisan bread recipe that requires minimal effort and yields a crusty, soft, and airy loaf. Perfect for beginners and busy bakers who want fresh homemade bread with an overnight rise.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (around 75°F/24°C)
  • Optional: up to 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour to substitute all-purpose flour
  • Optional: herbs or seeds such as rosemary, thyme, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds
  • Optional: gluten-free flour blend (for gluten-free version)

Instructions

  1. Mix the Dough (10 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast, and 1 1/4 teaspoons salt. Stir to blend dry ingredients well. Add 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water. Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. Adjust water or flour if needed.
  2. First Rise (12-18 hours): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Leave at room temperature (around 70°F/21°C) overnight or for 12 to 18 hours until dough bubbles and doubles in size.
  3. Preheat the Oven (30 minutes): Place a Dutch oven with lid in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C) about 30 minutes before baking.
  4. Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn dough out gently. Shape into a ball by folding edges toward the center, keeping some air bubbles. Place dough ball on parchment paper.
  5. Bake the Bread (45 minutes): Remove hot Dutch oven from oven carefully. Lift parchment paper with dough and place into the pot. Cover with lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake an additional 15 minutes until deep golden crust forms.
  6. Cool Before Slicing: Transfer bread to a wire rack using oven mitts. Let cool at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not skip the long rise for best flavor and texture. Preheat Dutch oven to create steam for a crispy crust. Keep the lid on for the first 30 minutes of baking to trap steam. Cool bread fully before slicing to avoid gummy texture. If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in warm water first and let sit 5-10 minutes before mixing.

Nutrition

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