No-Knead Soft Bread Recipe

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Introduction

This No-Knead Soft Bread recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy freshly baked bread with minimal effort. With only a few ingredients and no kneading required, this bread has a soft, airy crumb and a golden crust. It’s versatile and can be shaped into a loaf, rolls, or even used as a base for sandwiches and toast. The long resting time develops flavor, and the result is a homemade bread that tastes as good as a traditional bakery loaf!

Ingredients Quantity

  • All-purpose flour: 3 ½ cups (or bread flour)
  • Instant yeast: 1 ¼ teaspoons
  • Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons
  • Sugar: 1 tablespoon
  • Warm water: 1 ½ cups (around 110°F or 43°C)
  • Olive oil or melted butter: 2 tablespoons

Optional Ingredients

  • Milk: Replace ½ cup of water with milk for a richer dough.
  • Herbs and spices: Add 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder for a flavored bread.
  • Grated cheese: Mix in ½ cup of grated cheddar or Parmesan for a cheesy twist.
  • Seeds: Sprinkle with sesame, poppy, or sunflower seeds for a crunchy topping.

Instructions

  1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Using a wooden spoon, mix until the dough comes together and is sticky. The dough should be slightly shaggy and wet—this is normal for a no-knead dough.
  3. Let It Rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours (overnight is ideal). The long rest time allows the dough to develop gluten without kneading.
  4. Shape the Dough: After the resting period, the dough should be bubbly and doubled in size. Flour your hands and a work surface lightly. Gently turn the dough out and fold it over a few times to shape it into a rough loaf or ball. Handle it gently to preserve the air bubbles.
  5. Second Rise: Place the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper or in a greased loaf pan. Cover and let it rise for 1-2 hours, or until almost doubled in size again.
  6. Preheat the Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a Dutch oven or cast-iron pot, place it in the oven to heat up.
  7. Bake the Bread: Carefully place the dough (with parchment paper, if using) into the preheated Dutch oven or a regular baking tray. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid (or use aluminum foil to tent the top of the bread). Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid or foil, then bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  8. Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This helps the crumb set and makes slicing easier.

Tips for Success

  • Check the Dough’s Consistency: The dough should be sticky but not runny. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour (1 tablespoon at a time) until it comes together.
  • Use a Dutch Oven for Best Results: Baking in a preheated Dutch oven traps steam, resulting in a crisper crust and better oven spring. If you don’t have one, a cast-iron skillet or a baking tray works too.
  • Monitor Baking Time: Depending on your oven and the size of your loaf, baking times can vary slightly. Keep an eye on the bread after 30 minutes to ensure it doesn’t overbake.
  • Resting Time is Key: For the best texture and flavor, give the dough enough time to ferment. The long, slow rise is what gives no-knead bread its signature crumb and subtle tang.

Recommendations

  • Serving Suggestions: Enjoy this soft bread warm with butter, honey, or jam. It’s also delicious as a base for sandwiches, French toast, or as a side with soups and stews.
  • Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container or bread box at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
  • Variations: Add chopped olives, sundried tomatoes, or roasted garlic to the dough for an Italian-inspired bread. You can also make sweet variations by adding cinnamon, raisins, and a bit of brown sugar.

Enjoy the simplicity and delight of this No-Knead Soft Bread, perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike! 🍞

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