Easy No-Knead Rustic Bread

Featured in: Cozy Bread Recipes

This no-knead rustic loaf combines simplicity and great texture, delivering a crusty exterior and airy crumb. Mix flour, salt, yeast, and lukewarm water, then let the dough rise leisurely. Baking in a preheated Dutch oven creates a golden crust that's perfect for sandwiches or dipping in olive oil. Ideal for those who enjoy artisan-style bread with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:12:00 GMT
A golden-brown Easy No-Knead Rustic Bread loaf cooling on a wire rack.  Save to Pinterest
A golden-brown Easy No-Knead Rustic Bread loaf cooling on a wire rack. | flourhollow.com

A crusty, airy loaf with a chewy crumb, perfect for sandwiches or dipping in olive oil. No kneading required just mix, rise, and bake!

I love making this bread because it requires very little hands-on time yet yields bakery-quality results every time

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 3 1/4 cups (400 g) bread flour or all-purpose flour, 2 tsp (8 g) kosher salt, 1/2 tsp (2 g) instant yeast
  • Wet Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) lukewarm water

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast.
Step 2:
Add the lukewarm water and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3:
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise at room temperature for 3 hours, or until doubled in size and bubbly.
Step 4:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven (with lid) inside to heat for 30 minutes.
Step 5:
Lightly flour a work surface. Scrape the dough onto it, dust with flour, and shape into a rough ball.
Step 6:
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Place a piece of parchment paper in the pot and transfer the dough onto the paper.
Step 7:
Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 10 15 minutes, until the loaf is deep golden brown and crusty.
Step 8:
Transfer the bread to a wire rack and cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Crusty Easy No-Knead Rustic Bread sliced, revealing its soft, chewy texture inside.  Save to Pinterest
Crusty Easy No-Knead Rustic Bread sliced, revealing its soft, chewy texture inside. | flourhollow.com

My family always gathers around this bread when fresh from the oven making every meal a special moment

Notes

Pairs well with soups, cheeses, or olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, wooden spoon or spatula, Dutch oven with lid (or heavy oven-safe pot), parchment paper, wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten). Vegan-friendly. Check flour packaging for possible cross-contamination if highly sensitive.

Freshly baked Easy No-Knead Rustic Bread served with olive oil for dipping delight. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked Easy No-Knead Rustic Bread served with olive oil for dipping delight. | flourhollow.com

This easy no-knead bread will impress with minimal effort and reward you with a delicious crusty loaf every time

Recipe FAQs

How does no-knead dough develop gluten?

Gluten develops over a long, slow rise, allowing the flour and water to hydrate fully without manual kneading, resulting in a chewy texture.

What is the purpose of baking in a Dutch oven?

The Dutch oven traps steam, which helps create a crisp, golden crust while keeping the loaf moist inside.

Can I add herbs or olives to the dough?

Yes, adding chopped fresh herbs or olives enhances flavor and adds variety to the loaf.

How long should the dough rise before baking?

Let the dough rise at room temperature for about 3 hours until it doubles in size and appears bubbly.

What flour types work best for this loaf?

Bread flour or all-purpose flour are recommended to achieve a good structure and chewy crumb.

Easy No-Knead Rustic Bread

Crusty, airy loaf with chewy crumb, ideal for sandwiches or olive oil dipping. No kneading required.

Prep Duration
10 mins
Cook Duration
40 mins
Overall Time
50 mins
Created by Megan Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type European

Serves 8 Servings Count

Dietary Details Plant-Based, No Dairy

Ingredient List

Dry Ingredients

01 3 1/4 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
02 2 teaspoons kosher salt
03 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast

Wet Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water

Steps

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast until evenly distributed.

Step 02

Form dough: Add lukewarm water and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 03

Initial rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 3 hours, until doubled in size and bubbly.

Step 04

Preheat oven and Dutch oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place a Dutch oven with lid inside to heat for 30 minutes.

Step 05

Shape dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Scrape the dough onto it, dust with flour, and shape into a rough ball.

Step 06

Transfer dough to Dutch oven: Remove the heated Dutch oven carefully from the oven, place parchment paper inside, and transfer the shaped dough onto it.

Step 07

Bake covered: Cover the Dutch oven with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 08

Bake uncovered: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is deep golden and crisp.

Step 09

Cool before slicing: Transfer the bread to a wire rack and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes prior to slicing.

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Dutch oven with lid or heavy oven-safe pot
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient to spot potential allergens. Always confirm with your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten)
  • May contain traces of other allergens depending on flour source

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Nutrition details are for reference and can't substitute for professional advice.
  • Caloric Value: 140
  • Fat content: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Protein Amount: 4 g