The day I discovered no-knead bread, is the day I stopped buying bread from the bakeries and kiosks. This type of bread is quick and very easy to make. The texture of the bread is also light, moist and airy; not as dense as the knead bread. No-knead bread is a type of bread that is made without the traditional step of kneading the dough. Instead, the dough is mixed together and left to rise for a period of 1 – 1 1/2 hours. For better result, leave it overnight. No-knead bread is perfect for those who want to make bread at home but don’t have the time to spend hours kneading and shaping the dough. How easy can that be!
How to make a no-knead bread
No-knead bread is very easy to make, trust me. All you need to do is mix together flour, salt, yeast, sugar and water, and then leave the dough to rise for several hours or overnight. You can omit the sugar if the bread is proofed overnight. You then shape the dough into a loaf and leave to rise again before baking in a pre-heated oven. You can also bake the bread using a heavy pot with a lid, like a Dutch oven. The high-moisture content of the dough and the long rising time allows the gluten in the flour to develop without the need for kneading.
The key to making a good no-knead bread is to use the right kind of flour and yeast, and to give the dough enough time to rise. Bread flour, which has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, will give the bread a chewier texture and a better rise. Instant yeast is recommended for no-knead bread as it does not require proofing before using, something you have to do if using dry yeast.
No-knead bread recipe
Here is a basic recipe to help you start you off with your bread-making journey:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast. For an overnight proving, reduce the amount of yeast to 1 teaspoon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon sugar. Sugar is important especially if you are not proofing your dough overnight. If you intent to proof overnight, then omit the sugar.
- 1 3/4 cups warm water or milk
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Add in the warm water or milk and mix until a rough dough forms. The dough should wet and rough.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 1 1/2 hours. A longer it takes to proof the dough the better. The dough should rise to at least double its size. This is the first round of proofing.
- Once it has risen, remove the cover, punch it down and pour into a greased baking tin. Put the tin in a warm place uncovered. Let the dough rise for another 1 hour (if the first round of proofing took 1 1/2 hours). The is the second round of proofing.
- Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- When the oven is hot, bake the bread for 30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Use of a heavy Dutch oven with a cover will give you better results.
- Carefully remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Variations of no-knead bread
No-knead bread is a simple and versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit different tastes and preferences especially when you master the basics. Add these twists to your no-knead bread to enjoy baking and make your bread healthier:
- Add fresh herbs such as rosemary, or parsley to the dough for a flavorful twist. You can also add dried herbs or spices such as garlic powder or ginger to give it a unique taste.
- Try adding shredded cheese such as cheddar. Incorporating cheese into the dough can add a delicious, creamy flavor to the bread.
- Adding seeds and nuts to the dough gives it a crunchy texture and added nutrition. Try adding seeds like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, Pecans etc.
- Dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots can add a sweet and fruity flavor to the bread. This is a great option for breakfast or brunch.
- Experiment with different types of flour, like whole wheat, rye, almond flour to make a healthier and more wholesome bread.
Tips and tricks of making no-knead bread
Making no-knead bread is relatively easy, however these few tips and tricks will ensure that your bread turns out perfectly every time.
- Handle your yeast well. Yeast is a living organism and it requires a specific temperature range to activate and rise. A higher temperature will kill it and a lower one will inhibit it’s growth. A thermometer can help you to ensure that the water is at the right temperature (between 105°F and 115°F) to ensure that your dough rises properly. If you do not have one, use your finger to test the liquid to ensure it’s lukewarm and not hot.
- An ordinary oven is okey to use but a Dutch oven for baking will give you better results. A Dutch oven is a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid that can retain heat and moisture, creating the perfect environment for bread to rise and bake. Using a Dutch oven will give your bread a crispy crust and a soft and fluffy interior.
- A good rule of thumb in baking bread is to let the dough rise for at least 12 to 18 hours, or until it has doubled in size. However, the rising time for no-knead bread can vary depending on factors such as the temperature and humidity of your kitchen.
- Experiment with different types of flour: No-knead bread can be made with a variety of flours, such as all-purpose flour, bread flour, whole wheat flour, or a combination of different flours. Each type of flour will give the bread a unique texture and flavor.
- Remember always patience pays. If you want good results be patient, it takes time to make the no-knead bread. The slow fermentation process is what gives the bread its unique flavor and texture, so be sure to give the dough enough time to rise.
Making a no-knead bread is as simple and as easy as it gets. The bread is delicious and requires minimal efforts to make at home. The recipe requires only a few basic ingredients and can be customized with different herbs, spices, cheese, seeds, nuts, dried fruits and whole grains to suit different tastes and preferences. The long fermentation process gives the bread a unique flavor and texture, and the use of a Dutch oven for baking creates the perfect crust and crumb.
By following the step-by-step instructions and keeping the tips and tricks in mind, anyone can make a delicious no-knead bread at home. It is a great option for those who want to try their hand at making bread but don’t have the time or experience for traditional bread making methods.
In conclusion, no-knead bread is a great recipe for anyone who wants to enjoy the taste and smell of freshly baked bread without the fuss. So, grab your ingredients, set aside some time, and give it a try! You will be surprised how easy it is to make a delicious loaf of bread at home. This is my go to recipe whenever the craving strike!
Other related bread recipes
- Delicious and healthy Blueberry Banana bread with seeds
- Nutritious quick date walnut bread
- Healthy Whole-wheat Banana Chocolate Bread
- Dates bread
Quick and easy no-knead bread
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1¾ cups water
Instructions
Step One:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar and salt. Add in the warm water or milk and mix until a rough dough forms. The dough should wet and rough.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 1 1/2 hours. A longer it takes to proof the dough the better. The dough should rise to at least double its size
Step two:
- Once it has risen, remove the cover, punch it down and pour into a greased baking tin. Put the tin in a warm place uncovered.
Step three:
- Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F
- When the oven is hot, bake the bread for 30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Carefully remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
