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Introduction
Easy no knead white bread is one of the simplest and most comforting recipes you can make at home. This bread does not need heavy mixing or long kneading with your hands. You only mix the ingredients in a bowl, let the dough rest, and then bake it. The result is a soft bread with a golden crust and a light fluffy inside. Many beginners feel afraid to bake bread, but this recipe removes that fear. It is made for normal home kitchens and simple tools.
People love this easy no knead white bread recipe because it saves time and effort. You do not need a mixer or special skills. The dough slowly develops flavor while it rests. When it bakes, your kitchen smells warm and cozy. The crust becomes slightly crispy, while the inside stays soft and airy. It tastes fresh, clean, and comforting. Many people say homemade bread tastes better than store bought bread, and this recipe proves it.
This bread is perfect when you want something warm and homemade. You can make it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is great for sandwiches, toast, or served with soup. Some people bake it on weekends to relax and enjoy slow cooking. Others make it during busy weeks because it needs very little work. Making bread at home can feel calming and satisfying. It brings joy when you cut into a fresh loaf and see the soft steam rise.
Ingredients You Will Need
All purpose flour 3 cups about 360 grams
Warm water 1 and one half cups about 360 milliliters
Instant yeast 2 teaspoons
Salt 1 and one half teaspoons
Sugar 1 teaspoon
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Take a large mixing bowl. Add the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Mix these dry ingredients gently with a spoon.
Step 2
Add warm water to the bowl. Make sure the water is warm but not hot. Very hot water can damage the yeast. Add olive oil.
Step 3
Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together. Mix until no dry flour is visible. The dough will look sticky and rough. This is normal. You do not need to knead it.
Step 4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place the bowl in a warm place in your kitchen. Let the dough rest for at least two hours. During this time the dough will rise and form air bubbles.
Step 5
After two hours the dough should look bigger and full of bubbles. Lightly sprinkle flour on your kitchen counter. Gently place the dough on the floured surface.
Step 6
Fold the dough over itself a few times using floured hands. Do not knead hard. Just fold it gently to shape it into a round loaf.
Step 7
Place the shaped dough on parchment paper. Cover it again with a towel. Let it rest for about thirty to forty minutes.
Step 8
While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 220 degrees Celsius or 430 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a heavy oven safe pot with a lid inside the oven while it heats. This helps create steam for a crispy crust.
Step 9
Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Lift the dough using the parchment paper and place it into the pot. Be careful because the pot will be very hot.
Step 10
Cover the pot with the lid and place it back in the oven. Bake for thirty minutes with the lid on.
Step 11
After thirty minutes remove the lid. Bake for another ten to fifteen minutes until the top is golden brown.
Step 12
Remove the bread from the oven. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the inside finish cooking and keeps the texture soft.
Why This Recipe Is Special
This easy no knead white bread recipe is special because it removes the hardest part of bread making. Traditional bread often needs long kneading to develop gluten. In this recipe time does the work for you. The long rest allows the dough to build structure naturally.
Another special thing about this recipe is the texture. The outside becomes crispy and golden while the inside stays soft and airy. The steam inside the covered pot helps create that bakery style crust. You get professional results with simple steps.
From a health point of view, homemade bread lets you control the ingredients. There are no extra preservatives or artificial flavors. You know exactly what goes into your loaf. It gives carbohydrates for energy and small amounts of protein from flour. When eaten in balance, it can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
The taste is fresh and clean. It pairs well with butter, jam, cheese, or even peanut butter. You can also use it for sandwiches or toast. The flavor is mild, which makes it very flexible for many meals.
Extra Tips for Better Taste
Use fresh yeast for best rising results.
Let the dough rest longer for deeper flavor. You can even let it rest overnight in the refrigerator.
Add a small spoon of honey instead of sugar for a slightly sweeter taste.
Brush the top with a little olive oil before baking for a softer crust.
Sprinkle sesame seeds or oats on top for extra texture.
Do not cut the bread while it is hot. Letting it cool improves texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
Easy no knead white bread is perfect for beginners who want to try baking at home. It does not require special tools or skills. The simple method makes it stress free and enjoyable. When you bake this bread, your home feels warm and welcoming. Fresh homemade bread has a special feeling that store bread cannot replace. Try it once and you may never want to buy bread again.
Nutrition Details
Below is an estimated nutrition table for the whole recipe and per serving. This loaf makes about 12 slices.
Nutrient
Calories whole loaf about 1800
Protein whole loaf about 54 grams
Carbohydrates whole loaf about 360 grams
Fat whole loaf about 20 grams
Per slice serving
Calories about 150
Protein about 4.5 grams
Carbohydrates about 30 grams
Fat about 1.5 grams
Values are estimates and may change based on flour type and portion size.