Easiest No-Knead Bread

🌾 Ingredients

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
• 1½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, helps yeast activate)
• 2 tsp instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
• 1¼ cups (300 ml) warm water (about 100°F / 38°C — not hot!)

Optional additions:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for extra softness)
• 1 tbsp seeds (sesame, flax, or sunflower) for topping

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🔪 Instructions

1. Mix the dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. Pour in the warm water and mix with a spoon or spatula until a rough, sticky dough forms. No kneading needed — just stir until everything is combined.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rise at room temperature for 1½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size and bubbly.

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2. Shape the dough

1. Once risen, lightly flour your hands and surface.
2. Gently deflate the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf (don’t overwork it).
3. Place it on parchment paper or in a lightly oiled loaf pan or Dutch oven.
4. Let rest for another 20–30 minutes while the oven preheats.

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3. Preheat and bake

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. If using a Dutch oven, place it inside while preheating — it will help create a crispy crust.
3. Bake:
   • With Dutch oven: Carefully transfer the dough (with parchment paper) into the hot pot, cover, and bake for 30 minutes.
     Remove the lid and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
   • Without Dutch oven: Bake on a baking sheet or loaf pan for 35–40 minutes, until golden and crusty.

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4. Cool and serve

• Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
• The crust will be crisp, and the inside soft and airy — perfect for sandwiches, toast, or dipping!

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Spread with jam, honey, or hummus for breakfast.
• Serve alongside soups, stews, or salads.
• Toast it for a crunchy snack or drizzle with olive oil and herbs.

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💡 Tips & Variations

• For whole wheat bread, replace up to 1 cup of flour with whole wheat flour and add 1 extra tbsp water.
• Add rosemary, garlic, or olives for a rustic flavor.
• To keep the crust crisp, store wrapped in paper (not plastic).
• You can also refrigerate the dough overnight for even more flavor — bake the next day straight from the fridge!