No Knead Italian Artisan Bread Recipe
This No Knead Italian Artisan Bread recipe yields a rustic, crusty loaf that requires minimal effort. By activating yeast and allowing a slow rise, the dough develops a rich flavor and chewy texture without the need for kneading. Perfect for homemade sandwiches or served alongside your favorite Italian dishes, this bread boasts a golden crust and tender crumb.
- Author: Rico
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup lukewarm water
- 1 ⅛ teaspoon instant dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Activate the yeast: Dissolve the instant dry yeast in ¼ cup of lukewarm water along with 1 teaspoon of honey. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour with the remaining lukewarm water (½ cup). Add the yeast mixture and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir gently until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- First rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and leave it in a warm spot for 45 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the dough doubles in size.
- Preheat oven: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ready it for baking the bread.
- Shape and score: Transfer the risen dough onto a floured baking sheet. Lightly score the top of the dough with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake the bread: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 25 minutes. Then reduce the heat to 325°F (160°C) and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool before slicing: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow the crumb to set properly.
Notes
- Ensure water is lukewarm (around 100°F or 38°C) to activate yeast without killing it.
- You can use a Dutch oven instead of a baking sheet for a crustier artisan loaf.
- Scoring the dough helps the bread expand and prevents cracking.
- Allow the bread to cool fully to avoid gummy texture inside.
- Store bread in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: no knead bread, artisan bread, Italian bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe