Don’t bake bread until you’ve seen this recipe. This is a simple, foolproof no-knead bread that gives you a soft interior with a beautiful crust, using minimal effort and basic ingredients. Perfect for beginners and busy days, yet bakery-quality every time.
Ingredients (in order)
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp dry yeast
250 ml lukewarm water (1 cup)
450 g all-purpose flour (about 3½ cups)
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (optional, for softness)
Instructions
In a large bowl, add the sugar, dry yeast, and lukewarm water. Stir gently and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This step activates the yeast and ensures a good rise.
Add the flour and salt to the bowl. Using a spoon or spatula, mix everything together until a sticky, rough dough forms. Do not knead. Just mix until no dry flour remains. If using oil, drizzle it in and mix lightly.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 1 to 1½ hours, or until it doubles in size and looks bubbly on the surface.
Lightly flour your work surface. Gently scrape the dough out of the bowl. With floured hands, fold the dough over itself 2 to 3 times to shape it into a round or oval loaf. Do not knead.
Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper. Cover and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes while the oven heats.
Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F). If using a Dutch oven or heavy pot, place it inside the oven while preheating.
Carefully transfer the dough with the parchment paper into the hot pot or onto a baking tray. Cover if using a pot.
Bake for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the bread is golden brown with a crisp crust.
Remove from the oven and let the bread cool on a rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps set the crumb.
Tips
For extra flavor, you can add dried herbs, garlic powder, or seeds to the flour.
For a softer crust, brush the hot bread lightly with butter or olive oil.
This bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or served warm with olive oil.
Simple, reliable, and absolutely delicious.