Easiest No-Knead Bread (No Eggs, No Butter)

Serves: 1 loaf
Time: 3–3.5 hours (mostly resting), active prep ~10 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour

• 1½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, helps yeast activate)

• 1 tsp instant yeast (or active dry yeast)

• 1¼ cups (300ml) warm water (about 105–110°F / 40–43°C)

• Optional: 1–2 tbsp olive oil for brushing

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Mix the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.

2. Add warm water gradually and stir with a spoon or spatula until a sticky, shaggy dough forms.

3. No kneading required — the wet, sticky dough is perfect as-is.

2️⃣ First Rise

1. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

2. Let dough rise at room temperature for 2–3 hours, until doubled in size.

• Tip: Longer rise (up to 4–5 hours) improves flavor.

3️⃣ Shape & Prepare for Baking

1. Lightly flour your hands and work surface.

2. Gently fold dough over itself a few times to shape into a rough round loaf.

3. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased loaf pan.

4. Cover again and let rise for 30–45 minutes until slightly puffy.

4️⃣ Preheat Oven

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

• Optional: place an oven-safe dish with water on the bottom rack to create steam for a crisp crust.

5️⃣ Bake

1. Optional: brush the top lightly with olive oil for a golden crust.

2. Bake 25–30 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

3. Let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Add herbs (rosemary, thyme) or garlic powder for flavored bread.

• Add seeds like sesame, sunflower, or flax on top before baking.

• Use whole wheat flour for a healthier, denser loaf (may need slightly more water).

• For a soft sandwich-style bread, cover the loaf loosely with foil halfway through baking.

This recipe is perfect for beginners — no kneading, no eggs, no butter, and minimal hands-on time. It’s rustic, chewy, and budget-friendly!