Easiest Homemade No-Knead Bread (Full Recipe)

No eggs • No butter • No kneading • Cheap & foolproof
Once you make this, you’ll stop buying bread too!

 Ingredients (Only 4 Basics)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, helps yeast)
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1½ cups warm water (about 105–110°F / 40–43°C)

Optional add-ins: seeds, herbs, garlic powder, olive oil (see variations)

 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

1. Mix (2 minutes)
   In a large bowl, add flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
   Pour in warm water and mix with a spoon until a sticky dough forms.
    No kneading needed.
2. First rise
   Cover bowl with a lid, plate, or plastic wrap.
   Let rest at room temperature for 1–2 hours, until doubled and bubbly.
3. Prepare to bake
   Preheat oven to 425°F / 220°C.
   Line a loaf pan or baking tray with parchment paper.
4. Shape (very gently)
   Sprinkle a little flour on top, scrape dough out, and shape lightly.
   Place into pan or form a rustic loaf on tray.
5. Bake
   Bake 30–35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
6. Cool
   Cool at least 15 minutes before slicing (important for texture).

 Texture & Taste

• Soft inside, crusty outside
• Neutral flavor—perfect for sweet or savory use
• Great for toast, sandwiches, or dipping

 Easy Variations

• Whole wheat: Replace 1 cup flour with whole wheat flour
• Seeded bread: Add 2–3 tbsp sesame, flax, or sunflower seeds
• Herb bread: Add 1 tsp dried oregano or rosemary
• Olive oil version: Add 1 tbsp olive oil for softer crumb
• Flatbread style: Divide dough into rounds and bake 15–18 min

 Nut Information (Allergy Safety)

• Naturally nut-free
•  If adding seeds or nuts, label clearly
• Always check flour packaging for cross-contamination warnings if allergies are severe

 Q & A

Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?
A: Yes. Dissolve it in the warm water with sugar first and wait 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Q: Why is my bread dense?
A: Water may be too cool, yeast expired, or rise time too short.

Q: Can I make this without sugar?
A: Yes. Sugar just helps yeast—bread still works without it.

Q: Can I freeze this bread?
A: Yes. Slice first, freeze up to 2 months, toast straight from freezer.

Q: Is this vegan?
A: Yes—100% plant-based

• Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.

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