Discover the joy of homemade bread with this no-knead artisanal recipe that delivers a beautifully crispy crust and a soft, airy interior. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this simple method requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor and visual appeal. With just a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you can create a stunning loaf that will impress anyone who tastes it.
Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/3 cups lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried yeast
- Cast iron pan
- Baking paper
Instructions:
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and dried yeast.
- Gradually pour in the lukewarm water, stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. Ensure that all the flour is incorporated, but avoid overmixing.
- Let the Dough Rise:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. During this time, the dough will rise and develop a complex flavor. The dough should be bubbly and more than doubled in size when ready.
- Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, lightly flour your work surface and hands.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and carefully form it into a ball.
- There’s no need to knead—just fold the dough over itself a few times to create a round shape.
- Place the dough onto a piece of baking paper and cover it with a towel. Let it rest for about 30 minutes while you preheat your oven.
- Preheat the Oven and Pan:
- While the dough is resting, place your cast iron pan (with the lid on) into the oven and preheat it to 450°F (230°C). Preheating the pan is key to achieving the perfect crispy crust.
- Bake the Bread:
- Once the oven and pan are fully heated, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Lift the dough using the baking paper and gently lower it into the hot pan. Cover the pan with the lid and return it to the oven.
- Bake the bread with the lid on for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and crispy.
- Cool and Serve:
- After baking, carefully remove the bread from the hot pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This cooling period allows the bread’s interior to set and makes slicing easier.
Conclusion:
This no-knead bread is a true testament to the power of simplicity in baking. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a loaf that rivals those from the finest bakeries. The combination of a crackling crust and a soft, airy interior makes this bread perfect for any occasion, from everyday meals to special gatherings. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven with butter, or use it as a base for your favorite sandwiches. Happy baking!