No-Knead Rustic Artisan Bread with Olive Oil

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

A simple no-knead bread recipe yielding a crusty artisan loaf, perfect for dipping or sandwiches. This mediterranean-inspired no cook ready in about 60 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, warm water, 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 8 Mediterranean 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 tsp salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 1 1/2 cups warm water and 2 tbsp olive oil, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours until the surface is dotted with bubbles.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 450°F and place a heavy Dutch oven with lid inside to heat for 30 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface, shape it gently into a ball without kneading, then carefully place it into the hot Dutch oven.
  6. Step 6: Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake an additional 15 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and crisp.
  7. Step 7: Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Knead Rustic Artisan Bread with Olive Oil 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 Rustic Artisan Bread with Olive Oil?

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 Rustic Artisan Bread with Olive Oil?

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 Rustic Artisan Bread with Olive Oil 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 Rustic Artisan Bread with Olive Oil?

Mediterranean no cook 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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