Quick 2 Hour No-Knead Bread Recipe

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All you need to make no-knead bread are 3 easy ingredients! See how you can make artisan crusty bread in just two hours including baking time!

No-knead bread is a type of bread that is made without, well, kneading! It’s a simple yeast bread recipe that anyone can make at home with just a few ingredients and some time. 

Many people are intimidated by the thought of making bread, but this recipe is so easy that anyone can do it, even if you think you can’t. 

Unlike traditional bread recipes that require kneading and rising time, no knead bread only requires an hour of your time to rise! It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. 

You can make this bread with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus it’s such a fun food to make with your kids! My 4 year old @dashbakesthegreats was able to make it practically all by himself! (watch the video in this post to see how).

All you need to make this amazing bread is flour, salt, yeast, cornmeal, and water. Just combine all of the ingredients and let them do their thing. Let’s get started!

How the Concept of No-Knead Bread Came About

The no-knead bread craze began with one recipe, published in The New York Times in 2006. 

The recipe, developed by Jim Lahey and Mark Bittman, promised to revolutionize home baking, eliminating the need for hours of kneading and fermenting. 

The simplicity of the recipe quickly caught on, and soon home bakers were whipping up loaves of crusty, no-knead bread with ease. 

The craze eventually spread beyond the United States, with bakers across the globe experimenting with the no-knead method. 

Today, no-knead bread is a staple in home kitchens around the world. Thanks to Jim Lahey and Mark Bittman, we can enjoy freshly baked bread without the fuss.

You Will Need:

• 3 1/4 cups flour
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 package active yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1.5 cups water 110 degrees warm approximately
• add Cornmeal for dusting bread

One Hour No Knead Bread: Step by Step

Step One: Stir the Yeast and Water Together

Pour 1.5 cups of water into a bowl and add 2 1/4 teaspoons of yeast. Stir until the yeast is dissolved and bubbly. Make sure to not leave any clumps for a better final (and yummy) product! 

Note we used active yeast (not instant) which means it needs to be activated in warm water. If using instant yeast, use about half and add directly to the bowl along with the water as it doesn’t need activation. 

Step Two: Combine Flour and Salt

In another bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir until the ingredients are combined. Add the bowl of yeast and water. Combine until a dough is formed. 

Add a kitchen towel over the bowl, then let the dough rise to roughly double size for one hour. 

Step Three: Place the Dough onto Wax Paper

For this next step, sprinkle some cornmeal onto a sheet of parchment paper. Then remove the dough from the bowl and place it onto the paper. Gently fold the dough onto itself. If you want a round loaf, simply shape it into a ball. If you want a more traditional loaf shape, flatten the dough slightly and then fold the edges under.

Sprinkle some cornmeal over the top if desired. 

Let the dough sit for 30 minutes more minutes as the oven is preheating. 

Step Four: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit with a Dutch oven inside. Once the oven is preheated, take the Dutch oven out of the oven and place the bread inside, with the parchment still under the bread. 

Cut the parchment paper around the bread so that it’s not too long and mainly covers the bottom of the bread. 

Bake for 30 minutes with the Dutch Oven cover on. Then remove the cover and bake an additional 15 minutes until a golden crust forms.

Step Five: Let the Bread Cool

Lastly, remove the Dutch oven and let the bread cool inside for 5-10 minutes. Then remove the bread and let it cool on a wire rack, because it is ready to serve!

This no knead bread is so easy to make and only takes one hour from start to finish! 

You don’t need special equipment, just a bowl, a spoon, and a baking pan! We do highly recommend using a Dutch Oven as the closed lid allows the bread to steam while baking which helps it lift. If you don’t have a Dutch Oven, an oven safe pot with a lid will also work. 

How To Switch up your No-Knead Bread 

Add Garlic for a Delicious and Aromatic Flavor

One simple way to switch up your no knead bread is to add garlic. This will give your bread a delicious and aromatic flavor that is sure to please. 

To do this, simply add some minced garlic to the dough when you are mixing everything together. You can also add some garlic powder to the dough if you want an even stronger flavor.

Use Herbs Such as Rosemary or Thyme

Another great way to switch up your no knead bread is to add herbs. This will give your bread a nice flavor and can really elevate it from being just a plain loaf of bread.

Some great herbs to use include rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil. Simply add the herbs of your choice when you are mixing everything together. 

You can also add herb butter to the top of the loaf before baking for an extra flavorful boost.

Add in Nuts or Seeds for a Crunchy Texture

If you are looking for a little bit of crunch in your no knead bread, then adding nuts or seeds is a great way to do it. This will also give your bread a little bit more protein and healthy fats. 

Some great nuts and seeds to add include sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, almonds, and walnuts. 

Simply mix them into the dough when you are mixing everything together. You can also sprinkle them on top of the loaf before baking for an extra crunchy topping.

Make it Sweet by Adding Honey or Molasses

If you want to make a sweeter version of no knead bread, then adding honey or molasses is a great way to do it. This will give your bread a nice sweetness without being too overbearing. It will also give the yeast a kick to activation. 

Simply add the honey or molasses when you are mixing everything together. You can also brush the honey or molasses on top of the loaf before baking for an extra sweet glaze.

Add Fruit Such as Raisins or Diced Apples

Adding fruit is another great way to switch up your no knead bread. This will give your bread some natural sweetness and additional nutrients. 

Some great fruits to add include raisins, diced apples, blueberries, and cranberries. Simply mix them into the dough when you are mixing everything together. 

You can also sprinkle them on top of the loaf before baking for an extra fruity topping. 

Parmesan and Herb No Knead Bread

This variation on no knead bread is savory and full of flavor. Parmesan and herb no knead bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil or enjoying with a bowl of soup. 

To do this, simply add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to the dough before baking. 

As mentioned before, some great herbs to use include oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.

Pumpkin Spice No Knead Bread

Pumpkin Spice is a great way to add some major flavor to your bread. The addition of this spice gives the bread a delicious fall flavor that is perfect for enjoying during the cooler months. 

Some more similar spices to use include cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger. Simply add them to the dough when you are mixing everything together. 

You can also brush the top of the loaf with a mixture of these spices and butter before baking for an extra flavorful boost.

What to Serve No Knead Bread With

Roasted meats 

The crusty exterior and fluffy interior of the bread are the perfect vehicles for sopping up all of the delicious juices from your roasted chicken, turkey, or beef. 

You can also use no knead bread to make sandwiches with your roasted meats.

Stews and soups 

No knead bread is also ideal for dipping into hearty stews and soups. The bread will help to round out the meal and make it even more satisfying. 

Some great soups and stews to serve with no knead bread include minestrone, chicken noodle, and beef stew.

Grilled vegetables 

Grilled vegetables are another great option to serve with no knead bread. The bread will soak up all of the delicious flavors from the grilled vegetables, making for a truly memorable meal. 

This is a great option for a summertime meal that can be enjoyed outdoors.

Butter Board

You can try the viral butter board with this crusty bread. Simply add softened butter on onto a wooden charcuterie board and garnish with flaked sea salt and/or herbs served along with crusty slices or bread. Or try our version, the peanut butter board! 

Cheese 

No knead bread is also wonderful when served with cheese. The bread provides the perfect canvas for showcasing a variety of different cheeses, from sharp cheddar to creamy brie. 

Cheeses that pair well with no knead bread include cheddar, brie, goat cheese, and Swiss.

Jam and preserves 

Jam and preserves are another great way to enjoy no knead bread. The sweetness of the jam or preserve will complement the flavor of the bread perfectly. 

While any type of jam or preserve works, you can use strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry.

Honey 

Honey is a delicious way to enjoy no knead bread. The natural sweetness of honey will pair perfectly with the flavor of the bread. 

If you’re going to use honey, we recommend using high-quality, local honey for the best flavor. Plus, local honey has some great health benefits.

Nutella 

Lastly, Nutella is a delicious way to enjoy no knead bread. The chocolate hazelnut spread will provide a unique twist on the traditional no knead bread. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add chocolate chops to the dough when mixing everything together. Plus, this is a great snack for the kids!

Takeaway

No knead bread is a delicious and easy to make bread that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. 

Whether you enjoy it with roasted meats, stews and soups, grilled vegetables, cheese, jam and preserves, honey, or Nutella, no knead bread is sure to please. 

Many people are hesitant to make bread at home because they think it is difficult. However, no knead bread is easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients!