Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, enticing everyone to gather around the kitchen. With our No Knead French Bread recipe, you can create a golden, crusty loaf with minimal effort and no kneading required! Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this simple yet rewarding recipe transforms just four ingredients into a delightful masterpiece. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a delicious loaf that’s as easy as it is impressive—let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 12 hrs
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 12 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of instant yeast, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.
- Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of room temperature water to the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix until a shaggy dough forms. Ensure all the flour is incorporated; the dough will be sticky and wet.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise at room temperature for about 12 to 18 hours, or until the surface is dotted with bubbles and the dough has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, lightly flour a clean surface and gently scrape the dough out of the bowl using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate it too much.
- With floured hands, fold the dough over itself a couple of times to shape it into a ball. Avoid kneading; just gently shape it.
- Place the shaped dough seam side down on a well-floured piece of parchment paper. Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rest for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it has puffed up noticeably.
- About 30 minutes before the dough is ready to bake, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a Dutch oven (with the lid) in the oven to preheat as well.
- Once the oven is preheated, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Remove the lid and lift the parchment paper with the dough, placing it into the pot. The dough can be slightly shaped again if necessary.
- Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and return it to the oven. Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on to create steam, which helps develop a crust.
- After 30 minutes, remove the lid from the Dutch oven and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and has a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.
- Once baked, carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your freshly baked no-knead French bread!
Tips
- Patience is Key: Allowing the dough to rise for 12 to 18 hours may seem long, but this slow fermentation is what gives the bread its amazing flavor and texture. Plan ahead for the best results!
- Use Room Temperature Water: Make sure your water is at room temperature; this helps the yeast activate properly without shocking the dough.
- Gentle Handling: When shaping your dough, treat it gently. Overworking the dough can deflate the bubbles that have formed during the rise, which are crucial for a light and airy bread.
- Preheat Your Dutch Oven: Don’t skip preheating your Dutch oven! This step is essential for achieving that perfect crust. The steam created in the pot helps the bread rise and develop a beautiful crust.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your bread is perfectly baked, tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow. This is a great indicator that the interior is fully cooked.
- Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps set the crumb and enhances the flavor. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to baking the perfect No Knead French Bread that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
