4-Ingredient No-Knead Bread 🍞✨

The easiest homemade bread EVER—just 4 ingredients, no kneading, and no fancy skills required! Perfect for beginners, this bread has a crispy crust + soft, airy inside—just like artisan bakery bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Only 4 ingredients – Flour, water, yeast, salt.
✅ No kneading, no mixer – Just mix & let time do the work.
✅ Crusty outside, soft inside – Like a rustic French loaf.
✅ Customizable – Add herbs, cheese, or seeds if you want!

Ingredients (Makes 1 loaf)

3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour (or bread flour)

1 ½ tsp salt
½ tsp instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (~100°F / 38°C)

(Optional: 1 tbsp honey/sugar for a slightly sweeter bread)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Dough (5 mins)

In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and yeast.
Pour in warm water, stir until a shaggy dough forms (no dry flour left).

2. Let It Rise (12-18 hrs!)

Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
Let sit at room temperature for 12-18 hours (overnight works!).

3. Shape & Rest (30 mins)

The dough will be bubbly and sticky.

Dust hands with flour, gently shape into a round loaf.
Place on parchment paper, cover, and rest 30 mins.

4. Preheat & Bake (45 mins)

While resting, preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).

Place a Dutch oven (or heavy pot) inside to heat up.
Carefully transfer dough (with parchment) into the hot Dutch oven.
Cover with lid, bake 30 mins.

Remove lid, bake 10-15 mins more until deep golden.

5. Cool & Enjoy!

Let cool 1 hour before slicing (if you can wait!).

Pro Tips for Perfect Bread

🔥 Hot pot = crispy crust – A preheated Dutch oven traps steam.
⏳ Long rise = better flavor – 18 hrs gives the best taste.
🌿 Add-ins? Try rosemary, garlic, olives, or cheese.
❄️ Freeze extras – Slice & freeze for toast later.