Description
This is truly the easiest bread you’ll ever make—no kneading, no mixer, no fuss. Made with just flour, yeast, salt, and water, this simple one-bowl recipe creates a soft, fluffy interior with a crisp, golden crust. Perfect for beginners and anyone craving fresh homemade bread with minimal effort!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon instant or active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil, herbs, garlic powder, or seeds for variations
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, and salt.
- Pour in warm water and stir until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel. Let rise at room temperature for 8–12 hours (or overnight).
- Once risen and bubbly, lightly flour your hands and shape the dough into a round or oval loaf—no kneading required.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a preheated Dutch oven.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Bake on sheet for 30–35 minutes, or:
- In a Dutch oven: bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10–15 minutes.
- Let cool for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- For garlic herb bread, mix in 1 tsp dried herbs and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
- Use half whole wheat flour for a nuttier loaf.
- Store at room temperature in a paper bag for up to 3 days.
- Slice and freeze for longer storage—toast from frozen when needed.
- To get a crustier crust, bake in a Dutch oven or add a pan of hot water to the oven.
