Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread, with a crispy golden crust and a soft, airy interior - all without hours of complicated kneading or professional baking skills. Our Overnight No Knead Bread is the ultimate game-changer for home bakers, promising restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. This revolutionary recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning loaf that will make your kitchen smell like a artisan bakery and impress even the most discerning bread lovers.
Prep Time: 12 hrs
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 12 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
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 well mixed.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of room temperature water to the dry mixture. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms. Make sure 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 rest at room temperature for about 12 to 18 hours. This long fermentation time allows the flavors to develop and the dough to rise.
- After the resting period, check the dough. It should be bubbly and have expanded in size. Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. With floured hands, gently shape the dough into a ball. Avoid excessive handling to keep the air bubbles intact.
- Place the dough seam-side down on a piece of parchment paper. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it rest for about 30 minutes while you preheat the oven.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a Dutch oven (with its lid) in the oven to heat up as well. This will help create steam, which is essential for a crusty loaf.
- Once the oven is preheated, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven. Using the parchment paper, lift the dough and place it into the Dutch oven. Cover with the lid.
- Bake the bread covered for 30 minutes. This allows the bread to steam and rise properly.
- After 30 minutes, remove the lid from the Dutch oven. Continue baking the bread for an additional 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven using the parchment paper. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This cooling period helps the crumb set and enhances the flavor.
- Enjoy your homemade overnight no-knead bread with butter, olive oil, or your favorite spread!
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor
- Ensure your yeast is fresh and not expired
- Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven for perfect crust development
- Don't rush the fermentation process - the long rest is crucial for flavor
- Use room temperature water for optimal yeast activation
- Avoid over-handling the dough to preserve air bubbles
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to maintain ideal texture
- Experiment with adding herbs or seeds for variety
- Store bread in a paper bag to maintain crispness
- If the crust gets soft, briefly reheat in the oven to restore crunchiness
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
