Mom’s Best & Quick No Knead Artisan Bread Recipe
My childhood home always seemed to smell of fresh bread baking, even though mom were a very busy woman she found the time to always make us fresh baked bread that seemed to be ready in a jiffy, her secret was this, a no knead artisan bread which is a simple and quick recipe that yields a crusty, flavorful loaf with minimal effort. Perfect for beginners, it requires just a few basic ingredients and no special equipment.
The process involves mixing the ingredients, letting the dough rise, and baking it in a Dutch oven for a beautifully baked bread with a crispy crust.
Artisan Bread: A Simple Delight
Creating artisan bread at home is a rewarding experience that brings the warmth of freshly baked goods into your kitchen. This no-knead recipe simplifies the process, allowing anyone to achieve a crusty loaf with minimal effort.
The beauty of this bread lies in its rustic appearance, characterized by a golden crust and a chewy interior. The long fermentation process contributes to its flavor, making each bite a delightful experience. With just a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own bread.
Ingredients for Success
To embark on this baking journey, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
These simple components come together to create a loaf that is both satisfying and delicious. The combination of flour, salt, and yeast forms the foundation, while warm water activates the yeast, setting the stage for the dough to rise.
The Rising Process
The key to achieving that perfect artisan loaf is patience. After mixing the dry ingredients and adding warm water, allow the dough to rise for 12 to 18 hours. This slow fermentation not only develops flavor but also creates the characteristic bubbles in the dough.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, and let it sit at room temperature. You’ll notice the dough doubling in size, ready for the next steps in the baking process.
Baking to Perfection
About 30 minutes before you plan to bake, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside. This method ensures that the bread bakes evenly, producing a crispy crust.
Once the dough has risen, gently shape it into a ball and let it rest for a short while. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture. When ready, carefully place the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover it, and bake for 30 minutes.
Finishing Touches
After the initial baking time, remove the lid to allow the crust to brown beautifully. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, watching as the loaf transforms into a golden masterpiece.
Once baked, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. This waiting period is essential, as slicing too soon can lead to a gummy texture. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be worth the wait!
Serving Suggestions
When the bread has cooled, it’s time to slice into your creation. A serrated knife works best for this task, allowing you to cut through the crust without squishing the soft interior.
Pair your artisan bread with a small bowl of olive oil for dipping, or enjoy it plain. The crumbs scattered around the cutting board are a testament to its deliciousness, inviting everyone to indulge in a slice.
Easy No Knead Artisan Bread Recipe
This artisan bread features a chewy interior and a golden crust, achieved through a long fermentation process. The recipe takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes total, including rising time, and yields one large loaf.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add Water: Pour in the warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Ensure all the flour is incorporated.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, until the surface is bubbly and the dough has doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, place a Dutch oven (with lid) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C).
- Shape the Dough: Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. With floured hands, shape it into a ball. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Bake: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Place the dough inside (you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal). Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the bread is golden brown.
- Cool: Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 1 large loaf
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
