There's nothing quite like the smell and taste of freshly baked bread, especially when it's crusty on the outside and soft and airy on the inside. If you've always wanted to try your hand at baking but felt intimidated by the idea of kneading dough, this No-Knead Crusty Bread recipe is perfect for you. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a homemade artisan-style bread that will impress your family and friends. Let's get started!
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
1 1/2 cups room temperature water
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and active dry yeast. Give it a quick stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Add Water: Pour in the lukewarm water (about 100°F or 38°C). Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon or a spatula until you have a shaggy, sticky dough. Don't worry if it looks rough – that's the beauty of no-knead bread!
Cover and Rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rest at room temperature for at least 12 hours, or up to 18 hours. This extended resting time allows the dough to develop its flavor and structure.
Shape the Dough: After the resting period, your dough should be dotted with bubbles and have doubled in size. Dust your hands and a work surface generously with flour to prevent sticking. Gently scrape the dough out of the bowl and onto the floured surface.
Fold the Dough: To shape the dough, fold it over onto itself a few times, forming a round or oval shape. You can use your hands or a dough scraper for this step. Dust the top lightly with flour.
Second Rise: Place the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Cover it loosely with the same plastic wrap or kitchen towel and let it rise for another 1-2 hours. During this time, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a Dutch oven or a heavy, oven-safe pot with a lid inside to heat.
Preheat and Bake: Once the dough has completed its second rise and the oven is preheated, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven or pot. Lift the parchment paper with the dough and carefully place it into the hot pot. Put the lid on.
Bake Covered: Bake the bread covered for 30 minutes. This covered baking will create steam inside the pot, which gives the bread its signature crust.
Uncover and Continue Baking: After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the bread is beautifully golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Enjoy: Remove the bread from the pot and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your homemade no-knead crusty bread with butter, olive oil, or your favorite spreads.
Conclusion: Baking your own no-knead crusty bread is not only rewarding but also surprisingly simple. With just a little time and patience, you can fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread and savor the taste of your homemade artisanal creation. So go ahead, give it a try, and impress your loved ones with your newfound bread-baking skills! Enjoy the No-knead Crusty Bread! Better with butter or Jam.
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