There’s just something about homemade bread—the warm, comforting aroma wafting through the air, the golden-brown crust shattering into tender flakes, and the soft, chewy interior just perfect for slathering with butter or dipping into a warm bowl of soup. But for many of us, the idea of baking bread at home is daunting, especially when it requires the process of kneading and proofing the dough. Enter Miracle No Knead Bread.
This recipe is a game-changer. You can make bakery-quality artisan bread with minimal work right in your home. It requires just four simple ingredients, no kneading, and a bit of time. Trust me, it’s time well spent. This process, originally made famous by Jim Lahey, has since been adopted and loved by home bakers around the world.
Let’s get into all the details about how to make this Miracle No Knead Bread, including pro tips, common troubleshooting fixes, and ideas for variations to try!
Here’s why you’ll love this bread recipe:
✔️ No need to knead – Just mix and let time work its magic.
✔️ Few ingredients – Only 3 pantry staples and water!
✔️ Crispy outside & soft inside – Excellent for soups, sandwiches, or simply warm with butter.
✔️ Almost foolproof – Beginners can produce wonderful loaves too.
✔️ Flexible – Add various flours, seeds, or mix-ins.
🛒 Ingredients
(Yields 8 servings)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups water at room temperature
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (for a slightly sweeter loaf)
- 2 teaspoons dried herbs (e.g., rosemary or thyme)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or gouda)
- 1/4 cup seeds (sunflower, sesame, or poppy seeds for extra crunch)
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Mixing the Dough
- Whisk the instant yeast, flour, and salt together in a big mixing bowl.
- Stir in the water with a wooden spoon until you get a shaggy, sticky dough. It won’t be smooth—don’t worry!
- If the dough looks too dry, add water one tablespoon at a time until it’s evenly hydrated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 12 to 18 hours at room temperature. Overnight is ideal!
💡 What happens during this time? The gluten slowly develops without kneading, while the yeast creates air pockets that give the bread its airy, chewy texture.
2️⃣ Prepping for Baking
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Place a 6-quart enamel-coated cast iron Dutch oven inside to heat for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, dust your hands with flour and gently scrape the dough onto a floured surface.
- Shape the dough into a ball, lightly dusting it with flour to prevent sticking.
- Place it on a piece of parchment paper, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rest while the oven finishes preheating.
3️⃣ Baking
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven (handle with care—it’s very hot!).
- Lift the dough with the parchment paper and place it into the Dutch oven.
- Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown.
- Transfer to a cooling rack and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
🔥 Pro Tips for Success
✔️ Use a Dutch Oven: The trapped heat creates steam, giving the bread its signature crust. No Dutch oven? Place a pan of water in the oven to generate steam.
✔️ Don’t Rush the Rest Time: The long fermentation is key to achieving that airy texture and rich flavor.
✔️ Measure Accurately: Too much flour makes the dough too dry, too little makes it too wet. A kitchen scale ensures precision.
✔️ Experiment with Mix-Ins: Try adding garlic, olives, nuts, or dried fruit to make fun variations!
🥖 Variations to Try
1️⃣ Whole Wheat No Knead Bread
Replace 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Note: Whole wheat makes the bread denser and slightly grittier.
2️⃣ Gluten-Free No Knead Bread
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum for structure).
The loaf may not rise as high but will still be delicious.
3️⃣ Rosemary Parmesan Bread
Add 1 teaspoon dried rosemary and 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan to the dough.
A cheesy, herby loaf perfect for pairing with Italian dishes!
4️⃣ Cinnamon Raisin No Knead Bread
Stir in 1/2 cup raisins and 1 teaspoon cinnamon for a lightly sweet, cozy loaf.
Great for breakfast or as toast with honey butter!
🤔 Common Questions
Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes! Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast in 2 tablespoons of warm water before adding it to the flour mixture.
Q: Can I let the dough sit longer than 18 hours?
Yes, but don’t exceed 24 hours, or the yeast may over-ferment, making the bread too sour.
Q: How do I store leftover bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze it in a ziplock bag.
Q: Can I bake this in a loaf pan instead of a Dutch oven?
Yes, but the crust won’t be as crisp. Bake in a loaf pan at 375°F for about 45 minutes.
🍞 Final Thoughts
This Miracle No Knead Bread truly lives up to its name. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe rewards you with a gorgeous, crusty, flavorful loaf with minimal effort.
The hardest part? Waiting overnight for the dough to be ready!
Print
🍞 Miracle No-Knead Bread – The Easiest Bread You’ll Ever Make!
- Total Time: 12 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8
Description
There’s something magical about the smell of fresh-baked bread filling your home. This Miracle No-Knead Bread is so simple, yet delivers a crispy, golden crust and a soft, airy inside—perfect for dipping into soups or slathering with butter. No kneading, no stress, just let time do the work! If you’ve never baked bread before, this is your foolproof way to start. Try it today and enjoy the joy of homemade bread! 🍞✨
Ingredients
✔️ 3 cups all-purpose flour
✔️ 1 ½ teaspoons salt
✔️ ½ teaspoon instant yeast
✔️ 1 ½ cups room temperature water
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and yeast. Stir in water until a thick, scrappy dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours (overnight works best!).
2️⃣ Preheat & Shape: Preheat oven to 450°F. Heat a Dutch oven inside for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, gently shape the puffy dough into a ball on a floured surface and cover until ready.
3️⃣ Bake to Perfection: Place the dough (with parchment paper) into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10-15 more minutes until golden brown.
4️⃣ Enjoy! Let it cool slightly, then slice and serve warm!
Notes
✅ Works with gluten-free and whole wheat flour too!
- Prep Time: 12 hours
- Cook Time: 40 minutes