Quick Description:
This no-knead bread recipe is as simple as it gets—no eggs, no butter, no fancy techniques. Just soft, fluffy homemade bread with pantry-staple ingredients. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with your favorite spreads at breakfast. No mixer or kneading required—just mix, rest, and bake.
Servings and Timing:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
- First Rise: 1 hour
- Second Rise: 50 minutes
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours and 15 minutes
- Yield: One 450g loaf (about 10 slices)
Nutritional Info (Per Slice, Approximate):
- Calories: 150
- Total Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 27g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 3g
- WW SmartPoints: ~4 (varies by oil/flour used)
Ingredients List:
- 200 ml water (0.85 cups)
- 25g sugar (2 tablespoons)
- 3g yeast (1 teaspoon, active dry or instant)
- 300g bread flour or all-purpose flour (2 cups)
- 3g salt (½ teaspoon)
- 20g olive oil (2 tablespoons
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Liquid Base:
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for a few minutes to dissolve and activate the yeast
2. Add Dry Ingredients:
Slowly mix in the flour and salt. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until a dough starts to form—no kneading required
3. Mix in the Oil:
Add olive oil and stir until the dough is evenly combined. The dough will be sticky and soft.
4. First Rest (Autolyse):
Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rest for 20 minutes
5. Stir and Strengthen:
After resting, stir the dough again for about 1–2 minutes to help strengthen it. No kneading—just mix until smoother
6. First Rise (Proofing):
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size
7. Shape the Dough:
Lightly flour a work surface. Gently turn the dough out and press it flat to release air. Fold the dough in half four times, then form it into a smooth ball
8. Divide and Shape:
Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, cover, and let rest for 15 minutes
9. Form the Loaf:
Flatten each dough ball slightly, then shape it into a log. Fold the sides inward and roll it up tightly, sealing the edge. Repeat for all pieces and place them seam-side down into a greased loaf pan
10. Second Rise:
Cover with a towel and let rise for 50 minutes, or until the dough fills about 80–90% of the loaf pan.
11. Bake:
Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake the loaf for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped
12. Cool and Slice:
Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before slicing.
Additional Notes:
Tip: For a shinier top crust, lightly brush the loaf with water or oil before baking.
Dietary Info:
- Dairy-Free
- Egg-Free
- Vegan (if sugar is vegan-friendly)
- Budget-Friendly
- No Mixer Needed
Brief Introduction:
This simple bread recipe proves you don’t need fancy tools, ingredients, or techniques to bake a soft, fluffy loaf. With just a few minutes of hands-on time and no kneading at all, this bread is perfect for beginners or anyone craving homemade comfort food on a budget.
Step-by-Step Guide to Soft, Fluffy Bread:
- Let the Dough Rest: Resting instead of kneading allows gluten to develop naturally.
- Warm Proofing Spot: A warm environment speeds up the rise without overproofing.
- Use the Right Pan Size: For best rise and structure, use a standard 450g loaf pan.
- Check Doneness: Bread should sound hollow when tapped, or reach an internal temp of 200°F (93°C).
Ingredient Details and Substitution Tips:
- Olive Oil: Can be swapped for canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil.
- Flour: Bread flour gives better chew, but all-purpose works too.
- Yeast: Use active dry or instant. If using instant yeast, reduce to ¾ tsp.
- Sugar Substitutes: Use honey, maple syrup, or your favorite sweetener (note: it may slightly affect rise and texture).
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions:
- Add Seeds: Sprinkle sesame, poppy, or flax seeds on top for texture.
- Make It Savory: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Serve With: Butter, avocado, nut butter, or toast with jam.
Storage and Make-Ahead Information:
- Room Temp: Store in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp and toast to refresh.
- Reheating: Toast slices for best flavor and texture after freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: Yes, but expect a denser loaf. Add 1–2 tablespoons more water to balance absorption.
