Introduction:
This No-Knead 5-Minute Easy Bread recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves freshly baked bread but doesn’t have the time or energy for a complicated process. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can enjoy warm, homemade bread in no time. The dough requires no kneading, and the result is a soft, crusty loaf with a perfect texture. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
Add the warm water and olive oil (if using) to the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together. The dough will be sticky, which is normal.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. The dough will rise and double in size.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven or heavy, oven-safe pot with a lid inside to heat up.
Once the dough has risen, use a spatula to gently scrape it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round loaf, but don’t worry about perfection.
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven, and transfer the dough into the pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your freshly baked loaf!
Description:
This No-Knead 5-Minute Easy Bread is incredibly simple yet yields a delicious loaf with a crunchy, golden crust and a soft, airy interior. The yeast does all the work, allowing you to skip the kneading step altogether, and the resting time gives the bread its fantastic flavor. Baking it in a preheated Dutch oven helps to create that bakery-style crust that makes this bread truly exceptional. With just a few pantry ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be able to enjoy homemade bread any day of the week!
Tips:
Use a kitchen scale for more accurate measurements of your flour to achieve the perfect dough consistency.
The dough can be left to rise for up to 3 hours, depending on the temperature of your kitchen, but don’t worry if you don’t have that much time—the bread will still work well with just 1-2 hours.
If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can bake the bread on a baking sheet, but the crust may not be as crispy.
For extra flavor, you can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough before baking.
Make sure your water is warm but not too hot, as overly hot water can kill the yeast.
Variations:
Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
Garlic & Herb Bread: Add minced garlic and dried herbs (such as oregano or basil) to the dough for a savory twist.
Cheese Bread: Incorporate shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan) into the dough for a cheesy flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Bread: Add cinnamon and sugar to the dough for a sweet, dessert-style bread.
Corrections:
If your dough isn’t rising as expected, it could be due to old or expired yeast. Always check the freshness of your yeast before using it. Additionally, if the dough feels too dry or too wet, adjust with small amounts of water or flour to achieve the correct sticky yet manageable consistency.
Enjoy:
Once your bread is cool enough to slice, enjoy it with butter, jam, or any of your favorite spreads. It’s also perfect for making sandwiches or as a side to soups and salads. Enjoy the fresh, homemade goodness with every bite!