Tired of store-bought bread that lacks flavor and texture? Craving that warm, crusty loaf you can proudly call your own, but intimidated by complicated recipes? Then you've come to the right place! This no-knead white bread recipe is designed for even the busiest home cooks. It requires minimal effort, resulting in a delicious, homemade loaf perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with some butter. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet incredibly rewarding recipe. This recipe is perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, showcasing the best of homemade cooking and delicious dishes.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) lukewarm water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons (9g) salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
Step 1: Combining the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water and yeast. Gently stir until the yeast is dissolved. Let it stand for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. This simple step ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mixing the Dough
Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. If using, add the olive oil now and mix it in. Don't worry about kneading – the magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity!
Step 3: First Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for at least 12 hours, or even up to 18 hours. The longer rise develops more flavor and creates a lighter texture. This is a perfect opportunity to let your easy recipe work its magic overnight!
Step 4: Shaping the Loaf
Lightly flour a clean work surface. Gently turn the dough out onto the floured surface. It will be quite sticky. Try to shape it into a round or oval loaf. Don't worry about perfection; a rustic look adds to the charm!
Step 5: Second Rise
Place the shaped loaf in a well-floured banneton basket (or a bowl lined with a floured kitchen towel). Cover it and let it rise for another 1-2 hours. This second rise will give your bread a beautiful, open crumb.
Step 6: Baking the Bread
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Gently place the dough from the banneton into the Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 7: Achieving that Crust
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. This step helps create that satisfyingly crispy crust.
Step 8: Cooling and Serving
Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the bread to fully set and prevents it from becoming gummy.
Tips for Success:
- Use lukewarm water: Too hot will kill the yeast; too cold will slow down the rising process.
- Don't overwork the dough: The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity; resist the urge to knead excessively.
- Adjust rising times: Depending on your kitchen temperature and the yeast you use, rising times may vary.
- Experiment with flours: Try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrients and flavor.
Variations:
- Herb bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) to the dough for an aromatic twist.
- Garlic bread: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the dough.
- Sweet bread: Add 1/4 cup of sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: ~150
- Protein: ~5g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~2g
This no-knead white bread recipe provides a delightful and easy way to enjoy the taste of homemade bread. It's a great addition to any meal, a perfect side dish, and a versatile base for countless delicious dishes. Enjoy!