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4-Ingredient No-Knead Bread 🍞✨
Crusty outside, soft inside—no fancy skills needed!
This foolproof bread requires no kneading, no mixer, and just 4 basic ingredients. Perfect for beginners!
Ingredients
(Makes 1 loaf)
- 1½ cups (370ml) warm water (~110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp (10g) active dry yeast (or 1.5 tbsp instant yeast)
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour (or bread flour for chewier crust)
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a large bowl, mix warm water + yeast. Let sit 5-10 mins until bubbly.
2. Mix the Dough:
- Add flour + salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until just combined (it’ll be shaggy!).
3. First Rise:
- Cover with a damp towel. Let rise at room temp for 1-2 hours (until doubled).
4. Shape & Second Rise:
- Gently shape dough into a round loaf on a floured surface.
- Place on parchment paper, cover, and rise 30-60 mins.
5. Bake:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
- Carefully transfer dough to the hot Dutch oven.
- Bake covered for 30 mins, then uncovered for 10-15 mins until golden.
6. Cool & Enjoy!
- Let cool 15+ mins before slicing (if you can wait!).
Why This Works
✅ No kneading – The long rise develops gluten naturally.
✅ Dutch oven trick – Traps steam for a crispy crust.
✅ Customizable – Add herbs, garlic, or seeds!
Tip: For overnight bread, refrigerate the dough after mixing (up to 24 hrs), then bake cold.
Serving Ideas
🥖 With soup or stew – Soaks up broth perfectly.
🧈 Slathered in butter + honey – Simple bliss.
🥪 For sandwiches – Sturdy yet soft.
“Even my toddler helps make this!” 😍
Want a whole wheat version? Swap 1 cup flour for whole wheat + 1 tbsp extra water. Let me know how it turns out! �✨
