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Easy Overnight No-Knead Artisan Bread Recipe for Perfect Crust and Crumb

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A simple, no-knead artisan bread recipe that requires minimal hands-on time and yields a crusty, golden loaf with a soft, airy crumb. Perfect for busy schedules and beginner bakers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon (about 1 gram) instant yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (9 grams) coarse salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) lukewarm water
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil (optional, for greasing or richness)
  • Extra flour for dusting (optional)
  • Semolina or cornmeal for dusting baking vessel (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix the Dough (10 minutes): In a large bowl, combine 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) instant yeast, and 1 1/2 teaspoons (9 g) coarse salt. Stir to distribute evenly. Slowly add 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) lukewarm water while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hand until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. No kneading required.
  2. First Rise (Overnight, 12-18 hours): Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Leave at room temperature overnight or up to 18 hours until the dough bubbles and doubles in size.
  3. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Vessel (30 minutes before baking): Place a Dutch oven with lid inside the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C).
  4. Shape the Dough (5 minutes): Lightly flour your work surface and gently turn out the dough. Fold edges into the center once or twice to form a rough ball. Let rest for 15 minutes.
  5. Transfer Dough to Baking Vessel: Place parchment paper over the dough ball and carefully lift it into the hot Dutch oven. Score the top with a sharp knife or scissors.
  6. Bake Covered (30 minutes): Cover with lid and bake at 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes.
  7. Bake Uncovered (15-20 minutes): Remove lid and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until crust is deep golden brown and crackly.
  8. Cool Completely: Transfer bread to a wire rack and cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

Use a hot Dutch oven preheated for at least 30 minutes to create steam for a crispy crust. Do not skip the overnight rise for best flavor and texture. Cool bread completely before slicing to avoid gummy crumb. If dough is too sticky when shaping, lightly dust hands and surface with flour but avoid adding too much.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-knead bread, artisan bread, overnight bread, easy bread recipe, homemade bread, crusty bread, simple bread

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/easy-overnight-no-knead-artisan-bread-recipe-for-perfect-crust-and-crumb/