No-Knead Bread with Crusty Crust

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

A simple, crusty loaf that bakes to perfection with minimal effort, perfect for a cozy home baking session. This american-inspired quick meals ready in about 60 minutes pairs All-purpose flour, Water, Salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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 American cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 500g all-purpose flour, 10g salt, and 3g active dry yeast. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon. Add 350ml water and stir until a shaggy dough forms, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours.
  2. Step 2: After the rest period, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a ball. Place the ball in a 9x5-inch greased loaf pan, seam-side up, and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise for 2 hours at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake the loaf for 30 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  4. Step 4: Remove from the pan and let cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Knead Bread with Crusty Crust 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 No-Knead Bread with Crusty Crust?

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 No-Knead Bread with Crusty Crust?

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 No-Knead Bread with Crusty Crust 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 No-Knead Bread with Crusty Crust?

American 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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