No-Knead Rustic Sourdough Bread

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

A simple no-knead sourdough bread with a crisp crust and tender crumb, perfect for beginners aiming for artisan-style bread at home. This french-inspired no cook ready in about 60 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, active sourdough starter, warm water 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 8 French cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup active sourdough starter, 1 1/4 cups warm water, and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Step 2: Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours, until the dough is bubbly and doubled in size.
  3. Step 3: Lightly flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Fold the dough over itself 2-3 times to shape into a ball, then cover with a kitchen towel and rest for 30 minutes.
  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: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven and sprinkle 1 tbsp cornmeal inside. Place the dough ball seam side down into the pot, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and crisp. Transfer bread to a wire rack to cool before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Knead Rustic Sourdough 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 No-Knead Rustic Sourdough 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 No-Knead Rustic Sourdough 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 No-Knead Rustic Sourdough 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 No-Knead Rustic Sourdough Bread?

French 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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