Easiest No-Knead Bread (No Eggs, No Butter)

Introduction

This no-knead bread recipe is the perfect choice for beginners and experienced bakers alike. With only a few simple pantry ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a warm, rustic loaf with a crispy crust and soft, airy interior. There’s no need for kneading or complicated techniques — just mix, rise, shape, and bake. Whether you’re making toast in the morning, pairing it with a hearty soup, or serving it as a table bread with dinner, this easy loaf delivers fresh-baked flavor every time.

Ingredients

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour (or bread flour)

• 1½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, helps yeast activate)

• 2 tsp instant yeast (or active dry yeast)

• 1¼ cups (300 ml) warm water (about 100°F / 38°C — warm but not hot)

Optional Additions

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for extra softness)

• 1 tbsp seeds (sesame, flax, sunflower) for topping

Instructions

1. Mix the dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.

• Pour in the warm water and stir with a spoon or spatula until a rough, sticky dough forms.

• No kneading required — simply mix until everything is incorporated.

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 1½–2 hours, or until doubled and bubbly.

2. Shape the dough

• Lightly flour your hands and work surface.

• Gently deflate the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf — avoid overworking it.

• Place the dough onto parchment paper, or into a lightly oiled loaf pan or Dutch oven.

• Let it rest for 20–30 minutes while the oven preheats.

3. Preheat and bake

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

• If using a Dutch oven: Place it inside the oven to heat up.

• Bake:

  Using a Dutch oven:

  • Transfer the dough (with parchment) into the hot pot.

  • Cover and bake for 30 minutes.

  • Remove the lid and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden brown.

  Without a Dutch oven:

  • Bake on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan for 35–40 minutes, until golden and crusty.

4. Cool and serve

• Remove the bread from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

• The crust will be crisp and the inside soft, airy, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, dipping, or snacking.

Conclusion

This easiest no-knead bread is proof that homemade baking doesn’t have to be complicated. With almost no hands-on work, you get a beautifully rustic loaf that tastes like it came from an artisan bakery. Enjoy it fresh, toasted, or alongside your favorite meals — and feel free to customize it with herbs, seeds, or whole grains. Once you try this simple method, it may become your go-to bread recipe for life.