World's Easiest Yeast Bread
A simple no-knead artisan bread recipe that anyone can make at home, perfect for sandwiches or as a side.
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 3 cups flour (bread or plain/all-purpose)
- 2 tsp instant or rapid rise yeast
- 2 tsp cooking/kosher salt (NOT table salt)
- 1.5 cups very warm tap water (not boiling or too hot)
- 1.5 tbsp flour (for dusting)
Instructions
Mixing the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, and salt. Then add the warm water and use a wooden spoon to combine until all flour is incorporated. The dough should be wet and sticky.
First Rise
- Cover the bowl with cling wrap or a plate and let it rise for 2 to 3 hours until it doubles in size. If it isn't rising after 1 hour, find a warmer location.
Optional Refrigeration
- You can either bake the dough immediately or refrigerate it for up to 3 days for enhanced flavor.
Prepare for Baking
- If refrigerated, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 45-60 minutes while preheating the oven.
- Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F) with a Dutch oven inside for 30 minutes.
Shape the Dough
- Sprinkle flour on a work surface and scrape the dough out. Dust the top with a little more flour.
- Slide a piece of parchment paper next to the dough and flip it onto the paper, seam side down.
Baking
- Carefully place the dough (on the parchment) into the hot Dutch oven and cover with the lid.
- Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and bake for an additional 12 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooling
- Allow the bread to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding herbs, cheese, or spices to the dough. Store leftover bread in a paper bag at room temperature for a few days or freeze slices for up to a month.