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    Home » All Recipes » Side Dishes

    No Knead Artisan Bread Recipe

    March 25, 2020 By Melissa Huggins / 45 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe

    With just 4 simple ingredients, you can make this No Knead Artisan Bread Recipe. It's surprisingly easy to make, too - just make the dough, let it rest, then bake it in the oven for 40 minutes. No kneading involved! The crust is golden and crackly, while the inside is soft and fluffy.

    overhead view of no knead artisan bread in a white pot with napkin on the side.

    Did you know that you can make delicious, bakery-style, no knead bread with little effort? I kid you not - all you'll need is a few pantry staples and a dutch oven (or something similar). It's almost impossible to mess up!

    This super-simple method was originally created by Jim Lahey (owner of Sullivan Street Bakery) and the world is a better place because of it! This recipe has been adapted thousands of times and shared all across the internet. Bread really brings people together!

    This recipe is fuss-free and mostly hands-off. The hardest part is just waiting for the dough to rest which takes 3 ½ hours. Jim's original recipe has a longer rest time, but I found this recreation of his recipe with a quicker time, so I tried it out and it worked perfectly.

    My family loved it! We had it with my Vegan Carbonara and used the leftovers for Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwiches. It's so versatile!

    So, are you ready to give this a try? Here's what you'll need...

    ingredients for artisan bread recipe on a stone table.

    Table of Contents

    • Ingredients needed:
    • How to make Artisan Bread
    • Tips and Tricks:
    • What's the purpose of baking bread in a Dutch oven?
    • Can I make it without a Dutch oven?
    • Can I use active dry yeast?
    • How can I store it?
    • Can I freeze it?
    • Ways to enjoy it:
    • No-Knead Artisan Bread Recipe

    Ingredients needed:

    (FULL AMOUNTS IN RECIPE CARD BELOW)

    • All-purpose flour
    • Sea salt
    • Instant dry yeast
    • Water  (hot)

    How to make Artisan Bread

    3 process photos of mixing dough together in a bowl.

    • 1 - Whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl until combined.
    • 2 - Stir in the hot water until just combined and a sticky and shaggy dough forms. Don't overwork the dough. Use a spatula to scrape the sides if needed.
    • 3 - Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and place in a warm spot in your kitchen. Let the dough rest for 3 hours. The dough will puff up and will be covered in bubbles (photo #3 shows what the dough looks like after 3 hours).

    4 process photos of shaping dough on a board and placing in a bowl.

    • 4 - Liberally flour your work surface. Using a spatula, scrape the dough onto work surface and sprinkle top with flour. Using a bench scraper or floured hands, fold the dough in towards the center about 6-8 times. No need to knead!
    • 5 - Tuck in the bottom edges to form a round shape.
    • 6 - Place the dough on top of parchment paper. Lift up the paper and place it into a large bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let it sit for 30 minutes. Place a 4-6 qt dutch oven with the lid into your oven and set it to 450 °F. The pot should heat up for the entire duration of the dough resting time.
    • 7 - Take the pot out of the oven. Pick up the paper with the dough and place it into the pot and cover with lid. Place the pot back in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 8-12 minutes to crisp the top. Remove from oven and set out on a cooling rack.

    side view of fully baked artisan bread in a white pot.

    Tips and Tricks:

    • Make sure your water is hot, but not boiling hot or it will kill the yeast. You should be able to touch the water without burning your finger. The ideal temperature is around 120°F – 130°F.
    • Let the bread completely cool before slicing so it can finish cooking inside. Also, use a rack so air can circulate underneath and prevent soggy bread.
    • Use a serrated knife to make the bread easy to slice.
    • This is a no knead bread recipe, so resist the urge to knead! The magic happens by letting the dough rest.
    • Make sure your yeast is not expired or your dough will not ferment and rise.
    • If your oven is not hot enough, the bread will not bake up properly. I highly recommend using an oven thermometer to ensure you're baking at the right temp.

    What's the purpose of baking bread in a Dutch oven?

    It conducts heat evenly and creates the perfect environment for your dough to bake in. By leaving the lid on, it traps in steam which gives the inside of the bread time to cook before the crust sets.

    Then, removing the lid before the crust fully browns will release the steam and the crust will turn golden brown and super crispy! This whole process yields a soft center with the perfect amount of moisture and a crackly crust. It's foolproof!

    Can I make it without a Dutch oven?

    I prefer a dutch oven, but you can use any oven-safe dish or pot that has a tight-fitting lid and is big enough to fit the dough. Make sure to check the maximum temperature on the dish/pot before using it.

    You can also try a glass baking dish with a lid, a heat-proof pot or bowl fitted with aluminum foil, Clay baker with lid or a pizza stone with a heat-proof bowl to cover. The idea is to create a steamy environment to help the dough expand without drying out the crust.

    Can I use active dry yeast?

    Yes! Just use ¼ teaspoon more than the instant (total ¾ tsp). Dissolve it in ¼ cup hot water (not boiling), along with ½-1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-8 minutes until it bubbles up. If it doesn't, then the yeast is dead, and you'll have to try another packet.

    Now add the yeast mixture to the hot water in the recipe, but make sure to use ¼ cup less water (1 ¼ cups). Mix together and proceed with the written recipe.

    How can I store it?

    It's best to leave the bread out at room temperature in a bread box or in a paper bag so it stays crisp. Don't store it in the refrigerator or it will turn stale due to the starch crystallizing.

    Artisan bread is freshest the same day but it will last for 2 days when stored properly. To refresh the bread, spritz crust with water and place directly on an oven rack that is preheated to 400 F.

    Can I freeze it?

    Yes! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for 2-3 months. You can also slice the bread first before freezing, so you can just use what you need. Thaw on the counter, then warm in the oven on a baking sheet for 15 minutes at 35o F.

    Ways to enjoy it:

    • With a big bowl of soup
    • For vegan fondue
    • Sandwiches
    • With a pat of vegan butter
    • Alongside a big plate of pasta
    • For dipping

    Sliced artisan bread on a cutting board and napkin in the background.

    I LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

    If you make this Artisan Bread Recipe, let me know what you think by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. It would really make my day. You can also follow me on Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @veganhuggs and hashtag #veganhuggs so I don’t miss it.

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    5 from 27 votes

    No-Knead Artisan Bread Recipe

    With just 4 simple ingredients, you can make this No Knead Artisan Bread Recipe. It surprisingly easy to make too - just make the dough, let it rest, then bake it in the oven for 40 minutes. No kneading involved! The crust is golden and crackly, while the inside is soft and fluffy.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time40 mins
    Resting Time3 hrs 30 mins
    Total Time4 hrs 20 mins
    Course: Bread
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 10 people
    Calories: 152kcal
    Author: Melissa Huggins

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups + 2 tablespoons (390g) All-purpose flour , plus more for work surface (*see note)
    • 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon instant dry yeast (or quick rise)
    • 1 ½ cups (354 ml) water (hot but not boiling - about 120°F – 130°F)

    Recommended Equipment

    • 4-6 Quart Dutch Oven
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and yeast until combined.
    • Stir in the hot water until just combined and a sticky and shaggy dough forms. Don't overwork the dough. Use a spatula to scrape the sides if needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Place the bowl in a warm spot in your kitchen (not too warm) and let the dough rest for 3 hours.
    • After 3 hours, the dough will puff up and will be covered in bubbles. Before you begin, set out another large bowl and cut off a piece of parchment paper that will fit inside. Now, flour your work surface. Keep some flour next to you for your hands and sprinkling.
    • Using a sturdy spatula, scrape the dough onto your work surface. The dough will be very sticky. Sprinkle the top with flour. Now, fold the dough gently in towards the center about 5-7 times, using a bench scraper or your floured hands. Tuck in the bottom edges to form a round shape. You don't want it to be too loose or it will lose its shape. (see step-by-step photos above)
    • Now pick up the dough and place in on top of the parchment paper. Lift up the edges of the paper and place it into the large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or towel and let it sit for 30 minutes.
    • Now, place a dutch oven with the lid into your oven and set it to 450 °F (230 °C). Keep the pot in the heated oven for the duration that the dough is resting.
    • When the time is up, carefully take the pot out of the oven. Set it down and open the lid. Pick up the paper with the dough and place everything right into the pot and cover with the lid. If the paper is sticking out of the pot too far, just carefully trim it (this avoids burning the paper). Place the pot back in the oven for 30 minutes.
    • Now remove the lid and bake for an additional 8-12 minutes to crisp and brown up the top. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Remove from oven and set out on a cooling rack. Let it completely cool for at least 45 minutes before slicing.

    Video

    Notes

    * Adapted from Jenny Can Cook. The original recipe creator is Jim Layhe (owner of Sullivan Street Bakery). 
    Measuring Flour: For accurate results, don’t scoop the flour with a measuring cup directly from the flour container. Instead, aerate the flour first by stirring a few times. Then scoop the flour out of your container with a spoon and then into a measuring cup. Don’t pack or tap the cup. After filling, lightly sweep a butter knife across the top to remove the excess flour.  
    Water temp: Make sure your water is hot, but not boiling hot or it will kill the yeast. You should be able to touch the water without burning your finger. The ideal temperature is around 120°F – 130°F.
    Can I make it without a dutch oven? I prefer a dutch oven, but you can use any oven-safe dish or pot that has a tight-fitting lid and is big enough to fit the dough. Make sure to check the maximum temperature on the dish/pot before using it.
    Yeast: make sure the yeast is not expired or you will have undesired results.
    Can I use dry active yeast? Yes! Just use ¼ teaspoon more than the instant (total ¾ tsp). Dissolve it in ¼ cup hot water (not boiling), along with ½-1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-8 minutes until it bubbles up. If it doesn't, then the yeast is dead, and you'll have to try another packet. Add the yeast mixture to the hot water in the recipe, but make sure to use ¼ cup less water (1 ¼ cups). Mix together and proceed with the written recipe.
    Storing: leave the bread out at room temperature in a bread box or in a paper bag for 2 days. To refresh, spritz crust with water and place directly on oven rack that is preheated to 400 F. 
    Freezing: wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for 2-3 months. You can also slice the bread first before freezing, so you can just use what you need. Thaw on the counter, then warm in the oven on a baking sheet for 15 minutes at 35o F.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1slice | Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 294mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Follow me @veganhuggs and mention #veganhuggs!

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    About Melissa

    I’m Melissa Huggins – the creator of Vegan Huggs. I started this blog to share delicious vegan recipes that everyone will love. Yep, that includes carnivores, too! Read more...

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      Recipe Rating




    1. DD

      October 16, 2022 at 9:48 am

      5 stars
      Followed recipe exactly came out perfect!

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        October 20, 2022 at 9:48 am

        Glad to hear it DD! Thanks for the great feedback. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Marna

      January 11, 2022 at 11:19 am

      Has anyone used just straight bread flour? That is what Jim Layhe uses, the originator of this recipe as you mentioned.

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        January 14, 2022 at 11:23 am

        Hi Marna, I haven't tried it, but I think the bread flour would yield nice results. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Amanda

      September 28, 2021 at 1:03 pm

      5 stars
      This bread is AMAZING! The texture is spot on, with a crunchy crust and slightly chewy center. The flavor is out of this world too! This will be my new bread recipe go to for sure!

      Reply
      • Support @ Vegan Huggs

        September 30, 2021 at 7:20 pm

        Hi Amanda! We are so happy to hear that you loved the bread and will be making it again! Thanks for the review 🙂

        Reply
    4. Torrie

      September 15, 2021 at 12:12 pm

      I have made this bread a number of different times and it always comes out amazing! But today I tried to make the bread with 1/2 whole wheat flour and 1/2 bread flour, then I mix in some sliced sweet and sour jalapenos from Trader Joe's (the only place I could find them) when I was combing the dry ingredients with water. During the last 8-12 minutes of cooking with the lid off, I added some vegan cheddar cheese. And it was a success! This is probably going to be my new guilty pleasure snack (:

      Thank you for all of your amazing recipes Melissa!

      Reply
      • Support @ Vegan Huggs

        September 17, 2021 at 6:58 am

        Hi Torrie! We are so happy to hear that you love the recipe! The jalapenos sound delicious with it too! Thanks for sharing 🙂

        Reply
    5. Jamie

      August 22, 2021 at 12:55 pm

      5 stars
      I adapted this bread to be gluten free using Bob’s Red Mill One-For-One flour. It tastes really good, but is dense and slightly sticky inside (not quite doughy, but not fluffy). My guess is that this is a gluten free flour problem. If anyone else has baked this gluten free, can you help me trouble shoot? Thank you!

      Reply
    6. Leada

      July 16, 2021 at 2:23 pm

      Can you use whole wheat bread?

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        July 25, 2021 at 3:55 pm

        Hi Leada, I haven't tried it with whole wheat flour, but a few readers have shared their experience using 1/2 all-purpose and 1/2 whole wheat and they had great success. I hope this helps. Thanks for stopping by 🙂

        Reply
    7. Mimi

      April 28, 2021 at 7:50 am

      Can I use olive oil in this no-knead artisan bread recipe? Or what is recommended for added flavor?

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        April 28, 2021 at 10:51 am

        Hi Mimi, I think it should work with a small amount of olive oil. You can also add fresh-chopped rosemary and chopped kalamata olives (about 1/4 cup). I hope this helps. Thank you for stopping by. 🙂

        Reply
    8. Vanildes Espudo

      January 10, 2021 at 6:35 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Melissa! Thank you for your help. Even though, I had my doubts because of how my dough look like during the process , at the end it came out amazing. It's just cooling down at this time.

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        January 10, 2021 at 8:26 pm

        I'm so glad it worked out. Thanks for the update. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Vanildes Espudo

      January 10, 2021 at 4:28 pm

      Why my dough isn't puffing up? The yeast is not expire and the water was hot but not boiling. When I added the water the dough wasn't sticky. It looks like it wasn't enough water but I just follow exactly the recipe. What went wrong? Help!!!

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        January 10, 2021 at 5:24 pm

        I'm sorry you had trouble with the bread. Here are some possible issues:

        1. Even though the yeast isn't expired, it may be dead. You will need to test it first before trying again. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon sugar in 1/2 cup warm water. Stir in yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes. It should bubble up and expand. If it's viable, use it for the recipe and reduce the water in the recipe by 1/2 cup.
        2. Cold temperature in your kitchen can also affect the results. Make sure it's nice and warm.
        3. Make sure to measure the flour as accurately as possible. Too much flour will cause dry and stiff dough and won't allow the yeast to work. Check the notes in the recipe above on how to do this.
        4. If you're using a damp towel to cover, it's possible it could be letting in too much air (depends on the towel). To be safe, use plastic wrap to keep moisture in.
        I hope this helps. Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.

        Reply
    10. Cassidy

      January 01, 2021 at 8:22 pm

      5 stars
      I love this bread recipe! It is easy and delicious every time!

      Reply
      • Support @ Vegan Huggs

        January 08, 2021 at 9:28 am

        Hi Cassidy! We're so happy to hear that you loved this recipe! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

        Reply
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