The Easiest Bread You Will Ever Make

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If you’ve ever wanted to bake bread but felt intimidated, this recipe is for you. The Easiest Bread You Will Ever Makerequires no kneading, no fancy equipment, and just 4 ingredients. With a crisp golden crust and a soft, airy interior, this bread tastes like it came from an artisan bakery — but it’s made right in your kitchen with minimal effort.

This recipe is foolproof, beginner-friendly, and will make you fall in love with homemade bread.

Why You’ll Love This Bread

  • No-knead method: Just mix, let it rise, and bake.
  • 4 ingredients: Flour, water, yeast, and salt.
  • Crispy crust, soft inside: Bakery-style texture without the work.
  • Beginner-friendly: Perfect for first-time bread makers.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for chewier texture)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
  • 1 ½ cups warm water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and yeast.
  2. Pour in warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms (it will be sticky — that’s perfect).
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel.

Step 2: Let It Rise

  • Let dough rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours, until doubled in size and bubbly.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

  1. Lightly flour your hands and surface.
  2. Gently shape dough into a ball (don’t over-handle).
  3. Place on parchment paper and let rest while oven heats.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside (lid on).
  2. Carefully transfer dough with parchment into the hot Dutch oven.
  3. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
  4. Remove lid and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Cool & Enjoy

Let bread cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing (this helps set the crumb).

Tips for Success

  • Use a Dutch oven: Traps steam, giving you that artisan-style crust.
  • Plan ahead: The long rise time develops flavor and texture.
  • Customize: Add herbs, garlic, or cheese for extra flavor.
  • No Dutch oven? Bake on a baking sheet with a pan of water in the oven for steam.

Variations

  • Garlic Rosemary Bread: Add 2 teaspoons dried rosemary and 2 cloves minced garlic.
  • Cheddar Jalapeño Bread: Mix in 1 cup shredded cheddar and 1 diced jalapeño.
  • Whole Wheat Bread: Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour.
  • Seeded Crust: Roll dough in sesame or sunflower seeds before baking.

Why This Recipe Works

The no-knead method lets time and hydration do the work — gluten develops naturally, creating structure and chew without kneading. The Dutch oven mimics professional bakery steam ovens, yielding a crisp, golden crust. Simple, minimal effort, maximum reward.

✨ Golden, crusty, and unbelievably easy — this truly is the Easiest Bread You Will Ever Make.

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