No-Knead Rustic Herb Bread with Olive Oil

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

A simple no-knead bread infused with fragrant herbs and rich olive oil, perfect for home baking with minimal effort. This mediterranean-inspired no cook (mediterranean) ready in about 65 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 8 Mediterranean cuisine 220 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 gently to mix.
  2. Step 2: Pour 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F) and 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil into the dry ingredients; mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Fold in 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves evenly.
  3. Step 3: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until the surface is dotted with bubbles and it has doubled in size.
  4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 450°F and place a heavy Dutch oven with its lid inside to heat for 30 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it gently into a round loaf, taking care not to deflate the dough.
  6. Step 6: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven, place the dough inside, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp.
  7. Step 7: Transfer the bread to a wire rack; let cool completely before slicing to ensure a perfect crumb.

Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Knead Rustic Herb Bread with Olive Oil take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 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 Herb 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 Herb 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 Herb 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 Herb 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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