No Knead Bread: Easy 2-Hour Homemade Loaf Recipe (Print Version)
No knead bread in just 2 hours! This easy recipe delivers a delicious, crusty homemade loaf with minimal effort. Perfect for beginners and busy bakers.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ The Dough's Foundation
01 -
2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
02 -
1/2 cup bread flour
03 -
2 cups filtered warm water (105-115°F)
04 -
1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
05 -
1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
→ Crumb & Crust Enhancers
06 -
1 teaspoon organic granulated sugar
07 -
1 tablespoon high-quality extra virgin olive oil
08 -
1 teaspoon pure honey
09 -
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
→ The Golden Finish
10 -
1/4 cup extra all-purpose flour (for dusting)
11 -
1 tablespoon coarse cornmeal (for dusting)
12 -
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup bread flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast, 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt, and 1 teaspoon organic granulated sugar. Whisk briefly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
02 -
Pour in 2 cups filtered warm water (105-115°F), 1 tablespoon high-quality extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon pure honey, and 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Mix with a sturdy spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. This simple mixing is key to your 2 Hour No Knead Bread: Easy & Quick Homemade Loaf. Do not knead.
03 -
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 90 minutes. This is the primary rise for your 2 Hour No Knead Bread: Easy & Quick Homemade Loaf, developing flavor and structure efficiently.
04 -
After 90 minutes, preheat your oven to 450°F. Place a 5-6 quart Dutch oven (with its lid) inside the oven to preheat for at least 30 minutes. Lightly flour a clean work surface with some of the 1/4 cup extra all-purpose flour.
05 -
Gently scrape the dough onto the floured surface. Using floured hands, gently fold the edges towards the center a few times to form a round loaf. Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper dusted with 1 tablespoon coarse cornmeal. Let it rest for 15 minutes while the oven finishes preheating. This brief proof helps achieve a perfect 2 Hour No Knead Bread: Easy & Quick Homemade Loaf.
06 -
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Using the parchment paper as a sling, gently lower the dough into the hot pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown.
07 -
Carefully remove the 2 Hour No Knead Bread: Easy & Quick Homemade Loaf from the Dutch oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt. Let cool completely for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Cooling is crucial for the crumb to set.
# Notes:
01 -
Store leftover bread at room temperature in an airtight container or bread bag for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze for up to 2 months, then toast as needed.
02 -
For an even crispier crust, lightly spritz the dough with water before placing it into the hot Dutch oven. You can also add a few ice cubes to the bottom of the Dutch oven (next to the parchment) for extra steam.
03 -
If you don't have bread flour, you can use 3 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour instead. The bread flour adds a bit more chewiness, but the loaf will still be delicious.
04 -
This versatile loaf is perfect for dipping in olive oil, serving alongside soups and stews, or making delicious sandwiches. It's also fantastic toasted with butter and jam.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
Measuring cups
03 -
Measuring spoons
04 -
Spatula or wooden spoon
05 -
Dutch oven with lid
06 -
Oven mitts
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 211 kcal
Total Fat: 2 g
Total Carbohydrate: 41 g
Protein: 5 g