Low-Temperature Overnight No-Knead Rustic Bread

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple no-knead bread dough slowly fermented and baked at low temperature for a crusty, airy loaf with minimal effort. This international-inspired quick meals ready in about 60 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, warm water (about 80°F), active dry yeast for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 8 International cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Stir to mix evenly.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 80°F) and stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky, shaggy dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, allowing a low, slow fermentation.
  4. Step 4: After fermentation, preheat oven to 450°F and place a heavy Dutch oven with lid inside to heat for 30 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Transfer dough onto a floured surface, shape gently into a ball without kneading, and place on parchment paper.
  6. Step 6: Carefully remove hot Dutch oven, lift dough with parchment into it, cover with lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Remove lid and bake an additional 15 minutes until crust is deep golden and crisp. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Low-Temperature Overnight No-Knead Rustic Bread take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Low-Temperature Overnight No-Knead Rustic Bread?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Temperature Overnight No-Knead Rustic Bread?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Low-Temperature Overnight No-Knead Rustic Bread for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Low-Temperature Overnight No-Knead Rustic Bread?

International quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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