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Learning how to make bread is easy with this no-knead bread recipe. This simple recipe relies on a long resting time to allow it to prove fully. Get ahead and mix the dough the night before, then you’re ready to bake in the morning. Don’t forget to screengrab the handy ingredients list at the bottom before you go shopping.
Add 400g strong white flour to a large mixing bowl, then measure in 1½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp fast action dried yeast. Mix in 350ml lukewarm water, pulling in the flour from the sides of the bowl until everything is combined as a sticky, loose dough.
Cover the bowl with clingfilm and leave to rest at room temperature for at least 8 hrs until the dough is well risen, has darkened in colour slightly and the surface is covered in small bubbles. The dough can be left to rise for up to 24 hrs in total (see tip, below).
Dust the work surface with flour, then flour your hands. Gently scoop out the sticky dough into a rough circle on the flour, trying not to knock out too much air. Pull the edges of the dough into the middle to bring it together in roughly a ball shape.
Turn the dough over and place on a large square of floured baking paper so the folded edges are underneath. Tuck the dough around itself to make the ball a bit neater, then lightly dust the top with flour. Cover with clingfilm and set aside somewhere warm while preheating the oven.
Preheat the oven to gas 8, 230°C, fan 210°C. Put a large, lidded ovenproof dish (such as a cast-iron casserole) into the oven and allow to heat up for 30 mins. Remove the dish from the oven and remove the lid, taking care as the dish will be very hot. Lift up the baking paper under the dough and carefully drop into the hot dish so that the paper folds up the sides. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut a cross in the top of the dough.
Cover with the lid and return to the oven. Bake for 30 mins, then uncover and bake for another 30 mins until the top of the bread is crisp and well browned. Use the edges of the baking paper to help you lift out the dough and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cool, slice and serve. The bread will keep for 3-4 days at room temperature or can be frozen for up to 3 months. For more tips on freezing and defrosting food, read our article Love Your Freezer.
How quickly the dough rises may depend on the room temperature. If warmer, then the dough will rise more quickly but it may take the full 24 hrs in winter or if the room is particularly cold. The bread will still be delicious with any rising time between 8-24 hrs, but the flavours will deepen slightly the longer it is left.
We've made a handy shopping list so you can get everything you need to make this easy no-knead bread. Don't forget to screenshot before you go shopping!
400g strong white flour, plus extra for dusting 1½ tsp salt ¼ tsp fast action dried yeast
Serves 15
of the reference intake Carbohydrate 21.7g Protein 3.1g Fibre 0.9g
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