Here’s a simple, cost-effective bread recipe that requires just a few basic ingredients you likely already have. This no-knead bread is straightforward to make, and you’ll end up with a golden, crusty loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or dipping in soup.
Cheapest Bread Recipe: No-Knead Artisan Bread
Ingredients (makes 1 loaf)
3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour, if available)
1/4 teaspoon instant yeast (a little goes a long way!)
1 teaspoon salt (regular table salt or sea salt)
1 1/2 cups warm water (not too hot, just warm to the touch)
Instructions:
Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and instant yeast until combined.
Pour in the warm water, and use a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until they form a sticky dough. Don’t worry if it looks rough—that’s normal for a no-knead bread dough.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it sit at room temperature for 12-18 hours. This long rise time allows the dough to develop flavor without kneading.
2. Shape and Prepare the Dough
Once the dough has risen, it should look bubbly and have doubled in size. Lightly flour a work surface and gently scrape the dough out of the bowl onto it.
With lightly floured hands, fold the dough a couple of times to shape it into a rough ball. You don’t need to knead it—just fold it over itself a few times.
Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper (this will make it easier to move later).
3. Heat the Oven and Dutch Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a Dutch oven (or any heavy pot with a lid) in the oven as it heats. The pot should be preheated for about 30 minutes to ensure it’s hot when you place the dough inside.
4. Bake the Bread
Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven, and using the parchment paper, lift the dough and place it in the pot.
Cover the pot with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the crust to turn a beautiful golden brown.
5. Cool and Enjoy
Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
Storage Tips
Store the bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a kitchen towel to maintain its crust. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can slice and freeze it, and just pop slices in the toaster as needed.
This no-knead bread recipe is about as cheap and easy as it gets, and the long rising time brings out a wonderful depth of flavor. Enjoy!