No Knead Bread. Let’s make life easier, shall we?
I love having smart friends.
Smart friends who give me great, easy, healthy recipes are my favorite kind of friends. As are my friends who give me chocolate. Or jars. Or hugs. Or the friends who listen to my constant and sometimes nonsensical chatter. And the ones who put up with my unreasonable freak-out moments of stress. And the ones who pray with me. And the ones who deal with me during soccer season when I can’t finish sentences.
Let me just pause and wipe a tear. I really have the best friends ever…
Well now. (stops to loudly blow nose and gain composure) I really brought all that up to say that one of my great friends, Nikki, shared this recipe with me. She’s one of my smart friends who I believe has done all of the above and then some (God bless her).
Once when I was at her house, she let me try some of the bread she had made that morning. It was great! And then she started telling me how she made it. How you don’t have to knead it. How you start it the night before and how it takes about three minutes to mix up. I think I grabbed her neck, hugged her fiercely, and knocked her over when she handed me the recipe. Not really. I truly can control myself. Usually. But hey, there was a great recipe involved, so no guarantees. See, I told you my friends are great to put up with me.
And now, the easiest bread recipe in the world…
No Knead Yeast Bread
- 3 cups flour (This recipe works a little better with unbleached white flour, but I prefer to use freshly ground hard white wheat so that it is healthier.)
- 1 ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon active rise yeast
- 1 ½ cups water
- Stir ingredients together in the evening. (No need to proof the yeast.)
- Cover and allow dough to sit over-night on the counter-top.
- In the morning, dump the dough onto a well floured surface.
- Shape it into a ball.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 450°, heating the baking dish in the oven at the same time.
- Place the dough in the hot baking dish.
- Cover and bake for 30-40 minutes.
Note: You need a covered dish to bake this bread. I found a deep-dish casserole dish with a lid that worked for me, similar to this one. But if I can save up and splurge on this one, would that not be the coolest?
When you mix it and cover it in the evening, it starts out looking like this:
In the morning it will look like this:
After you bake it, it will look like this:
And when you slice it it will look like this:
Once you serve it, it will look like this:
(There’s no picture. The bread is gone. Obviously.)
I highly recommend that you give this recipe a try, and that you consider serving it with this wonderful Calico Beans dish. It’s a wonderful combo!
Melody says
If I had a dish like that, I would be giving this one a try tonight. It will have to go on my wishlist though.
Debbie L says
I’ve tried various diff no-knead bread recipes & I love them all… gotta try this one now, too! :)
Jodie says
That looks easy enough, I may have to give it a try!
Shelly Hambrick says
Wow…This might be my saving grace of breadmaking…With 5 little ones, 7 and under, I’m having a hard time finding time to make bread…Schooling, Cleaning, Feeding, Washing seems to take precedence over bread making…Can’t wait to try this one!!!! Thanks so much Laura
Nikki says
ahhh….thanks, sweet lady! That’s what friends are for:)
Mary says
Can’t wait to try this!
Susan says
My friends are undeserved…so thankful for them.
Alli says
Can’t wait to try it tomorrow! And yes, friends who share great recipes really are the best!
Janel says
Oh…I am soo trying this. Thanks for sharing!
Katie says
Looks like my kind of recipe!
Bianca says
I have never made home made bread. I may just try this. Thanks for showing what the dough will look like through all of its stages!
Linda says
Wow, that inspires me to make delicious bread for my family!
Sarah says
I’d like to try this–how much water?
Laura says
Oops, left out the word “cups” didn’t I? Thanks for pointing that out so I could fix it! That would be 1 1/2 cups of water. :)
Karen Bruce says
Laura, Thanks for a wonderfully easy recipe. I actually have the Sassafras covered baker already (the round one but the french loaf pan is calling out to me too). This recipe looks so much easier than the one I have been using with the baker. You always have a way of making life so much easier. Love that! Love to you and your sweet family! & Thanks again! Karen
Laura says
:)
Cheryl says
I can’t wait to try this…although kneading dough is so therapeutic!
Sarah says
This seems very similar to the recipe in a book I just checked out from the library. It is called “My Bread, the revolutionary no-work, no-knead method” by Jim Lahey.
Karen Robidoux says
I would like to try this recipe also – I think we are all wondering how much water?– I am assuming that it is 1 1/2 cups. :-) thanks Laura for all that you do to make this site so fun and useful!
Laura says
Yup, left out that word “cups”. :)
Kelly says
Perfect timing! I’m wide awake (midnight my time), I have a chicken, onions, carrots, & celery cooking in the crock-pot all night so I can prepare a fabulous soup tomorrow, and there is not any reason to mix some up! I am going to try half wheat flour and half white. I’m noticing there is no oil or butter in the recipe – hmmmm.
Diane says
Sounds so simple I’ll have to give it a try, thanks!
Emily says
A couple questions. I do not have a covered baking dish. What exactly did you use? Also, I have a question about the water temp and the yeast. Do you need to let the yeast sit in warm water first before putting it in the refrigerator? I
Laura says
I used a glass casserole dish similar to this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CF3UW?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B0000CF3UW&linkCode=xm2&tag=wwwheavenlyho-20.
All you do is mix the ingredients, no yeast proofing needed. And just leave the dough on the countertop all night, you don’t need to refrigerate!
Emily says
Thanks! Can’t wait to try this. Do you ever cook with vital wheat gluten?
Shannon says
Do you leave it sitting on the counter or put it in the frig?
Laura says
Counter is best for this recipe. :)
ashley says
Love my friends, and I think I’d love this bread!
Patty says
I love my friends!
gina says
looks really good.
gina says
I’m blessed to have great friends
Sally McQuaid says
This looks great. I have recipes similar to this that I cook in my big cast iron pot and lid. It works perfectly and gives it a perfect round base.
Jessica S says
Similar to a recipe I use from “Artisan Bread In 5 Minutes a Day”
Jackie says
If you liked this, there is a book called “artisan bread in five minutes a day” that I can’t recommend enough. No covered dish required. (if you need to borrow it, we have a copy)
Leslie says
One question – do you proof the yeast before mixing the flour and salt in?
Laura says
Nope, just mix the ingredients together and that’s it. :)
Christie S says
Love homemade bread. Used to make all of ours. Unfortunately we have wheat intollerances at our house. May have to experiment with some other flours.
Speaking of friends…I have a great one that got me hooked on your blog several years ago!
Teresa says
I sent this post to at least 5 friends that I think would enjoy having the opportunity to make healthy bread easier. Thanks!!
Sarah says
Oh wow!! This looks fabulous!! Thanks!!!
MichelleL says
We just moved, and I’m really missing my friends! It’s not been easy to make friends here, for any of my family, but I know God will provide friendships for all of us in time. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Ann says
Just prayed for the Lord to bless you with a good church and friends. Have a beautiful day! He is there for you and loves you all so much!
MichelleL says
Thank you for stopping to pray for my family, that was very sweet of you!
Emily says
Looks like Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day to me!
Teresa says
Do you suppose instead of getting one loaf, you could divide it into “rolls” (maybe to be used as the bowl for some stew or chili) and bake the same “sort of” way?
What do you think the baking time would be?
Just thinking….with it cooling off….it would be nice to have a fast and easy roll too. : )
Laura says
I’m really not sure – I would imagine that it would work, but I’d have to experiment with it before I could give you baking time and etc. Good idea!
gloria says
I just made some sprouted wheat flour. I am so trying this tonight. Thanks!
Ana R says
Wow….I can’t wait to try this bread….thanks for the recipe
alison says
Do you need to grease the pan or anything? I’m excited to try this! I’m guessing I can put it together now (in the morning), and then bake it up at night…that wouldn’t really be different than the reverse…
Mary N. says
This sounds like a very good & healthy recipe. Thanks, I’m anxious to try it.
Melody says
That sounds wonderful! I think I’ll start some tonight so we can have it with dinner tomorrow!
Jenny C. says
What a great friend! I’m going to try this recipe this weekend with a nice, big pot of soup.
Gayle says
Looks delicious. I am gluten free these days, so, none for me…..but the family would probably love this! Thanks for sharing.
Nancy says
Do you think I could add a couple of Tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the water ? To reduce the phytic acid in the wheat. Or do you think the apple cider vinegar would affect the rising of the yeast? Thanks!
laura says
Love this recipe. Have made it lots in the winter with hearty soups or bean dishes. Yummy!!!!
Mary Beth Elderton says
I have made this many times. So easy! I’ve made it in my stainless steel cookware that is ovenproof and has lids. I’ve also made it in a loaf pan, using another loaf pan as a lid–this way, it cuts easily for sandwiches. I have also added things to the dough (add at the initial mixing)like red pepper, garlic or onion powder, cheeses, rosemary, nuts, and cinnamon. This recipe/technique is so easy and so inexpensive that it is okay to play around with to find new ways to use it. It may seem pricey at first to buy a whole jar of the yeast, but it lasts for many, many, many loaves of bread.
Michelle says
Mary Beth:
Do you just add chunks of cheese in the AM and then bake it? Sounds delicious!
Mary Beth Elderton says
I just add a handful when I first mix the dough.
Heather says
Can’t wait to try this!
Kris S. says
def. trying this one!
Jennilee S. says
Thanks so much for this easy recipe!! I found a Nutrimill at our Community Wide Rummage Sale last week for only $30! Can you believe it? $30! And to think I was saving up to buy one for $260. I can’t wait to grind my own wheat with it and try this recipe. :)
Patti King says
Can’t wait to try this after I find a covered dish to bake it in! :) Thanks.
Sandra K says
I can’t wait to give this a try.
Andrea says
looks so good. i have recently stopped making bread since i just has a baby, #5, all uner 10, but this is something i could fit in. craving some homemade bread now :)
Barbara says
can’t wait to try this bread recipe. Looks easy and delicious.
Karen says
This sounds wonderful, especially with some of the add-ins that Mary Beth suggests! One question…do you greased the covered baker that you bake it in? Usually if a recipe does not say to cook in greased baker then I don’t, but just thought I would check. Thanks for so many great, healthy, EASY ideas, Laura! I appreciate your blog so much!
Kristin says
I actually don’t mind kneeding, that’s why kitchen-aid invented the dough hook. However, with carting kids back and forth to school, preschool, activities, etc. I find that I am often not home long enough for making bread that needs multiple rises. I super excited that this bread can be mixed up the night before when kiddos are in bed and baked off in the morning. Cant wait to try a slice with a hearty fall soup.
Sharon says
When my youngest child was born and spent weeks in the hospital, one very special friend went shopping and bought us oodles of groceries, spoiling my older kids tremendously!
Susan Alexander says
That looks delicious!
Wendy Clark says
I made your Calico Beans last night and they were a big hit. Wouldn’t this bread be yummy with the beans?????
Marya says
CANNOT wait to try this. I tried your whole wheat bread recipe the OTHER way and it took waaaay too long. Not your fault, I’m just inexperienced. Sooo looking forward to trying this! Yay! Thanks!
Kevin Lewis says
Love No Kneed bread! We keep a tub in the fridge to make a loaf when we are craving it. Just form, allow to double and the bake on a stone. We tried the cast iron covered pot and that works nice too but the stone gives it a nice European style crunch. Also there are 2 “Bread in 5 minutes” books we use too. Check them out! Great pictures too Laura!!!
Karen Dee says
Can’t wait to try this bread recipe! Have to get a a dish first.
Ashley says
That’s about as neat as sliced bread haha! I do have some wonderful friends! My best friend being my husband tee hee
patricia loser says
I am going to make this tonight
Sheila Laurence says
That looks good. I think I would mix it in the morning, so I could bake right before dinner. My entire family likes homemade bread, so I would like to get better about it. This would be a good start, I think.
Carmen says
Just wondering – do you really have to punch it down and reshape it? Seems like you could just heat the oven and bake as is the next morning and it would be even lighter???
Laura says
You could sure try it and see how it goes!
Sarah says
My family loves homemade bread. Can’t wait to try this!
Lynn Griffith says
I love this idea as my family loves warm homemade bread! Especially in the morning! Thank you for your website–I am thoroughly enjoying it!
Ellie Mae says
My husband loves this bread! We’ve been making it for a few months and it is such a time and money saver! I usually double the recipe so it makes a bigger batch. It amazes me how simple it is! Glad to see you like it! :)
Linda says
This sounds like the “casserole bread” that my Mom used to make. I’m sure she didn’t let it sit overnight though, maybe a little while on the counter? Looked just like yours and tasted like heaven.
Kimberly says
Thank you so much for this! It’s exactly what I need right now. With 5 big kids and a newborn to boot, I’ve not been able to bake bread like I used to or would like to. I found the Sassafras oblong stone baker on ebay brand new for $39.99 with free shipping! I can’t wait to have fresh, healthy bread again!!
Ann says
Jesus, the friend who is always there!
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Jane says
I have to try this! Thanks for the post.
Michelle Williams says
AWESOME. Except I’m going to call it “Gone for the Workday Bread” :) Mix it in the morning, bake it at dinnertime! (And give family the illusion that I am, in fact, Super Woman. This recipe rocks.)
charla shell says
I cannot wait to try this bread! And since the majority of my friends call me for the recipes I will look like I worked really hard to find this how fun!! thanks
Dianna Hooker says
for us working moms, think this would work by mixing in the morning leaving sit all day (say from 7am-5 pm) then and baking in time for dinner at 6? Seems like the time for raising might a be a little shorter?
Laura says
Yes, I think that would work great!
Amy says
A friend finds time to sit with my dd and me after a medical procedure and even brought us a meal for that evening so that my dh wouldn’t have to cook.
Katie says
Do you know why it has to be covered?
Laura says
No, that’s just what my friend told me when she game me the recipe. :)
Pixie says
Sounds divine! Something I must try. My husband wants me to try something not using the bread machine.
Jennifer says
Yummy can’t wait fir the morning for fresh bread.
Heather says
Thanks for a simplified version of this! I’ve seen this recipe and everyone makes it sound ‘so easy’ and yet kind of complicated! This I know will be easy and that you’ve done it with fresh ground wheat like we use too!
Thanks!
Heather
Lisa says
I am going to try making this soon! I just love the recipes I find here, thanks so much Laura!
Would a 3 qt. baking dish be enough or too much to bake it in?
Thanks!
Meghan V. says
One of my friends brought a meal for our family BEFORE and AFTER our 3rd baby was born this summer. She knew I was feeling extra tired and one night decided to bless me with supper. It was so nice.
Susan F. says
This is awesome! I can’t wait to try it. It reminds me of Cottage Bread that my mother made when I was a kid. Thanks Laura!
Susan F. says
I have a dear friend who prays for me daily. She keeps a list of prayer requests close by so she can refer to all of our needs.
Tracey says
This sounds great. I’ve been wanting to make my own bread but have been a little nervous about how it would turn out. Thanks
AnnMarie says
This looks yummy. And easy. Thanks for sharing. I think this would be good with the Tomato soup I made from your recipe, last week! Only wish I had more tomatoes to make more. Keep the easy tips coming!!!!!
Stephanie says
I’ve done this before, but never with a covered dish. I will have to try it this way.
Kim F. says
Can’t wait to try this! We love having fresh baked bread.
Susan says
can’t wait to try this. hopefully i’ll remember to start it tonight.
MEG says
I have a similar recipe, but this one looks even easier! Thanks for sharing!
Ashley C says
I’ve made bread similar to this before. I don’t even bother to knead the dough. I just mix it all up, cover it, and put it in the oven overnight (with the heat off). Then in the morning I take it out, and put my dutch oven in and turn the oven on. When the dutch oven is hot, I dump in the dough and bake it!
Emily says
What size of a dutch oven do you have? Mine is pretty large and I’m wondering if it might be too big.
Teresa Yb. says
I wonder what would happen if I just baked it in a loaf pan without a cover. I have made no-knead cinnamon bread before, and I do it in a loaf pan. I just brush the top with water before baking to help it steam some. hmmm…
This is the recipe I use
http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2011/01/cinnamon-raisin-bread-124-recipe-10.html
MaryEllen says
Definitely going to try this! I hate kneading, and my stand mixer gave up the ghost on me!
Jessica says
Well now that my two favorite blogs have shared the recipe from this site…
http://simplysogood.blogspot.ca/2010/03/crusty-bread.html
I’m certainly going to have to try it! And I have the glass Pyrex type dish, so I will be testing that one out.
Thanks for the double confirmation, Laura!
Kelly says
I also added a third of a cup of honey, and cooked it at 375, rather than 450 and it turned out beautifully! I made two small loaves so I could use them as bread bowls for soup tonight. The texture and taste is exceptional! Thanks for the recipe! (I made a comment above so this is not my entry, I just wanted to share with everyone the changes I made). I also live in high altitude and added 3/4 cups more flour.
Jessica says
I wonder if you could use a bean pot? Time to dust it off & find out!
Lorinda says
This recipe sounds similar to the bread you mix up and keep in the refrigerator and pull off what you need for drop rolls.
My dad often would mix up dough in the AM and put it into a gallon zip lock bag and keep it in the refrigerator until he would make rolls or pizza. Keeping it in the refrigerator just makes the rising go more slowly.
Candice M says
This looks great! I will have to try this. Thanks for sharing.
Brighid says
Sounds wonderful – time to go see if the cast iron camping pot can be found.
Jill's Home Remedies says
I cannot wait to try this!!! Thank you for sharing – how awesome!
Sue D says
Great recipe–I will have to try it. My friend always seems to sense when I need to talk and calls me.
Emily says
I can’t wait to try this!Mahalo!
Susan W says
This bread is amazing. You can also add all kinds of add ins. I have a fabulous friend and she loves grainy bread. So when I make it for her I add oats sunflower seeds flax seeds and some spelt flour! She loved it. Tasted like we picked it up from a fancy bakery. I have figured out I can fit a glass Pyrex casserole and a cast iron one in the oven at the same time so I always bake 2 at a time! I have had this bread with white chocolate chips and craisins! It is very versatile! Glad you found this recipe.
Linda says
This looks wonderful. Would love to make it and share with a busy friend.
Tara says
This will be great for those days I do not have 2 days to wait on my sourdough or we are out and need a yummy loaf!! Thank you
Lisa says
I can’t wait to try this. It looks wonderful!
Rae Cicelske says
Looks great..I am Gluten free and wondering if this would work with GF flours.
Laura says
If you try it, be sure to come back and let us know!
Barbra says
Very interesting…. I’m going to try it, once I locate a proper dish.
Jenika Johnson says
Did you need to add more than 3 cups when you used freshly ground flour? Mine first loaf is on the counter waiting for me in the morning! I am so excited!
Laura says
I use freshly ground and stick with the three cups no problem.
Lisa says
I’ve been wanting to try this method (cooking inside a covered pot, but didn’t know if the crust gets hard or is softer? I don’t like a really hard crust on my bread. I would love to hear your feedback about this.
Thank you,
Lisa (SAHM to 8 yo dd, 7 yo ds, 3 yo ds)
Laura says
It is a pretty “crusty crust” – harder than I prefer, although still really delicous!
Emily says
If you wrap it in plastic wrap for a day or so it will soften up the crust.
C. Dazey says
I love finding easy bread recipes…and I have some of the best friends ever. One of my friends and I both read your blog, and when we get together we talk about all of the things we have been trying that we read here!
Kristi says
I am going to give this a try!
Barbara says
I’m also curious if it will work with a gluten free flour.
Soccy says
What is active rise yeast? Sorry for the nubile question. I use a Breadmaker and have only used fast rising yeast.
Laura says
I believe those yeasts are the same and can be used interchangably. :)
Jennifer Blaine says
This looks so easy!! I am a working outside of the home mom, and this would be great for any day. Even if I have to work that day!!
obearlady says
ok i’ll try the bread you sayed 3 flour well i put 1 1/2 cups white flour 1 1/2 wheat flour you sayed 1 1/2 water well had to put 2 cups water it raised up fine over night about 10 hrs ecry thing from there turned just fine raised up the 2ed time the heat was to high i backed down to 350.o for 40 min well it worked out just fine yummmm honeybutter yummm
Rebecca says
Could you add seeds to this? I would love to add sunflower and pumpkin seeds and maybe sesame seeds for extra texture but worry it would affect the rising process!
Laura says
Yes, I think you can add most anything to this!
becki says
going to try this today!!
Teresa says
Can’t wait to try this recipe! So easy and we love bread.
Debbie says
Made this last night and am wondering how big the covered dish needs to be to bake this?? I assume a casserole dish would work.
Laura says
A 2 or 3 quart dish will work fine.
Marie says
I can’t wait to try this!! PRobably tonight! I would love to have the aroma of fresh baked bread to wake my family in the morning, ready for them to grab as they head out to various directions this busy Sat. Thanks for the recipe!!
Larissa says
I’m kind of clueless when it comes to yeast…is active DRY yeast the same thing as active RISE yeast?
Laura says
I believe they can be used interchangably. :)
Debra says
Sounds easy enough-love the smell, and taste of fresh baked bread!
sarahbeth says
Yay I will try this!
Amber Dawn says
Will be trying this very soon! One question: so there is no honey or sugar in the recipe? I’ve never seen a bread recipe without a sweetener (for the yeast). If we don’t need it, great! :) Thank you!
Laura says
Right, I thought that was weird too when my friend gave me the recipe! It works without it though. :)
Billie says
I always either soak my grains or use sourdough (my youngest has dental issues) but really want to try this recipe…do you think I could reduce the water and add some ACV? Any idea how much? Thanks so much for the recipe!
Laura says
I think it should work, but not sure on the measurements. :)
Theresa C says
Perhaps trying this recipe using sprouted flour? It’s fairly easy to make on your own :)
Billie says
Unfortunately, from what I’ve read I can’t make my own…I don’t have a way to dry the soaked wheat at the correct temperature…:(
Jenni says
Did you try the bread with soaked grains? I would like to try that too. If you have any tips let me know. Thanks!
Janeen says
Thanks for sharing!
Ann Marie says
Looks fantastic! And I LOVE the bowl you would like to get – just might have to save up and splurge on that one myself!
Brianna D. says
I had seen recipes like this, but they were always made with white flour. I didn’t know you could do it with whole wheat! Great!
Would it work to cover my dish with aluminum foil if I don’t have a covered casserole dish?
jami says
I can’t wait to make this! Having it ready to pop in the oven in the morning!!! LOVE THAT!
Rhoda says
This is a smaller version of the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day recipe. That version will make 3 one pound loaves that you can make all at once or keep the dough in the refrigerator for up to two weeks (more sour doughish at the two week point). My family LOVES that bread. So glad that cold weather is coming so I can start making bread again.
charla shell says
laura-
I prepared my dough last night and just finished baking this afternoon. It worked just like you said , i have always had a fear of using yeast the whole kneading and proofing etc. but this was super easy and my family loved it!! thanks I will be making this again and again!!
Elodie says
My friend Lisa has shared with me so many of our super healthy recipes… I love it and I love her!!
Rachele says
Made this last night, and the kids and I had it for breakfast, WOW so yummy! I had to make another for Daddy to try because there wasn’t even a crumb left!! He loved it too!! I’m so excited it’s so easy to make and everyone likes it!! Thanks for sharing
April says
I can’t wait to try this. I have some wonderful friends as well. Some of them turned me on to making my own bread and grinding my wheat. That got me started on this fun ride to switch to no processed foods.
April says
I can’t wait to try this. I have some wonderful friends as well. Some of them turned me on to making my own bread and grinding my wheat. That got me started on this fun ride to switch to no processed foods.
April says
Can’t wait to try this. Love having friends that challenge me.
Michelle says
I just want to caution you…it wasn’t clear from your post visually, but if you are cooking in a Pyrex-type bowl, Pyrex strongly cautions against not putting one of their glass items into an oven that is not fully preheated, as well as NOT putting something cold into a hot container. http://www.pyrexware.com/index.asp?pageId=32 The dramatic temperature change can cause the glass to shatter and I would hate to see you or anyone else hurt. Most recipes that I have seen that use this style of bread-making call for a cast iron or ceramic-coated (similar to Le Cruset) style of Dutch Oven, which allows the bake ware to be preheated in the oven before adding the much cooler bread dough.
As for the recipe, I think I just might give it a try this weekend. I have made Jim LaHey’s No-Knead bread before, but this one seems even simpler. Thanks for sharing!
Christy says
So you cover the bread while baking or only cover it overnight?
Kristi W. says
I think you cover the bread while it is baking too. I just made a loaf this morning and covered it in the oven. It was so amazing how easy it was and how yummy too!! Love it!
Brittany says
Do you have to use seasalt? My husband is on a low iodine diet for the next few weeks and cant have seasalt.
Laura says
You can leave out the salt if you need to.
Jocelyn says
Sounds too good to be true…so easy, I can’t wait to try it. Actually going to have my daughter do it (she’s the first one up in the morning :)
Marishannon @ My Spirited Adventure says
Yummy! This looks like my kind of recipe!
Dottie says
I think you just handed me a recipe I’m not afraid to try. I’m not good with bread products. I ruined pizza dough. Seriously. So I’m pinning this for when the weather cools down just a wee bit more so that i can make it.
Leah y. says
Ok. I have that exact covered baker and have yet to use it. I’m curious if this recipe will fill it full. I am going to try. Maybe double it.
Deb says
Looks simple and absolutely delicious! We’ll have to try it! Loved the first commenter’s suggestion about white choc chips and craisins!
Theresa C says
I am soooo trying this recipe!!! Thank you for sharing! I can’t make bread or anything involving yeast to save my life. I just can’t knead correctly I guess. I even watched your youtube video Laura where you show how to knead bread…yeah, didn’t work for me. I think I need someone in my kitchen teaching me!
Jennifer Blaine says
This sounds so easy!!! I’ll have to try it!
Tara @ Simply Made Home says
I cannot figure out how the science works on this bread since there is no sugar! I am anxious to try it though!
Sarah says
SO trying this tonight! :oD
Karen says
This is very similar to a recipe for English Muffin Bread that Crystal Paine posted on her blog, MoneySavingMom.com. I have used it a few times, it is very easy, and my family really enjoyed it. That recipe does use a bit of sweetener though, so I am eager to give this one a try. This is perfect for those busy times when doing a yeast recipe seems just too big. Thanks for sharing.
Diane Harriman says
I’ve seen this recipe many times but have never tried it because although it is no knead it seemed complicated. Also, I only ise freshly ground hard white so I was concerned thst would be an issue. Thanks for testing it out and simplifying the directions enough to actually make me do it. I have my first batch on the counter right now :)
Angelina says
I can’t wait to try this!!
Sarah says
Baked my first loaf this morning – it is AMAZING!!!!!!!!! This will be a new regular in our house!! Thanks, Laura!!!
One question: I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to grease the dish before baking, so I went ahead and did it – but do I need to?
Laura says
I don’t typically grease mine, but it won’t hurt if you do!
Linda says
What will happen if you don’t use a lid?
Laura says
The bread would not cook through and through. :)
Kelly says
I greased mine.
Natalia says
I made my first loaf today and I love how super easy it is! Question, when I take it out of the oven should I cool it on a rack? Also, when I put it on the floured surface this morning, before I baked it, I was afraid of overworking it trying to get it into a ball..I tried getting it into a ball shape and then it would just kinda spread out from there…hope that makes sense, so it didn’t stay in a ball shape. I’m wondering if I should have mixed it more the night before….?
Kelly says
When I took mine out of the oven I did put it on a cooling rack. I also rubbed butter on it to soften the crust. I did not work mine much. I split it in two, put it on the floured surface, rolled it a few times, then put them in their baking dishes. This way they were the perfect zsize for bread bowls for soup. If yours did not stay in the ball you needed to add more flour.
Natalia says
Thank you so much, I will try with more flour next time! It was a big hit here! The flavor is wonderful and with the process being so easy I could see myself making it a couple times a week! Thanks for sharing.
Laura says
I don’t think you need to change anything about the mixing. It is just kinda funny to shape into a ball when it really just wants to flop around. :) Just work very lightly on the counter (about 20 seconds) then let it take on the shape of your baking pan. I don’t cool mine on a wire rack – I typically just put it on the stovetop, but you sure can put it on a wire rack if you want.
Charla says
I have a friend that is so great she GAVE me a grinder to grind my grain!
Kimberly says
My first loaf is in the oven, but I’m a little concerned it won’t turn out… the 30 minute “Resting” on the counter didn’t make the dough rise at all. I’ve never had bread rise more in the oven and I’m thinking this is going to come out like a dense brick :( I’ll let you know, but is it supposed to do a full rise again after you shape it?
Laura says
No, it doesn’t rise much after you shape it, but I try not to over work it when I’m shaping it so it keeps some of its “puff”. Mine usually comes out more dense than a regular loaf of bread. Hope yours turned out okay!
Kimberly says
Well, it didn’t rise much, like you said, but it was still very nice! I have the sassafras oblong baker so it made a nice “french bread” looking loaf, although kind of short. The bread is nice and chewy, like a sourdough. Thanks so much for sharing this! With regular bread rising time I could never have fresh baked bread for breakfast, but with this method, I could have it every morning!
Janel says
This looks amazing…gonna try it this week!
Maenwyn says
Guess I’ll be making this tonight.
Jean says
Turned out pretty good….a little “chewy”, but good.
Nasreen Kabir says
thanks for the recipe looking forward to making it
Patricia says
I am sorry to ask this question that it may be obvious to everybody. But I am not sure if I am understanding this correctly. When you say to put the dough in the hot baking dish and cover. Do you mean the same baking dish used for he overnight? Or it could be any other baking container or sheet? Thank you in advance, for any imput.
LindseyforLaura@HHM says
You can use any baking dish as long as it has a lid!
Patricia says
Thanks you!
Patricia says
Thanks for this great recipe! We tried this morning and everybody loved it, especially my husband and asked me to make it again. So simple, a few ingredients and even my kids can help. Thanks a lot Laura, you really inspire me!
Mandy says
My own personal tastes….I don’t love the bread. It’s a bit too chewy for me and the crust is quite crisp. I like my bread a bit softer on the outside. I think this would be great for bread bowls or for sopping something or another, but not for just eating (for our fam anyway:)
Ginger says
I was wondering how long this bread needs to sit before its baked? I am asking because I want to bake it and eat it hot for dinner. So, could I make it early morning so that I can bake it right before dinner? And if so, how early would I need to mix I t if we wanted to eat it at 6:00 pm? Thanks for the help?
Laura says
Yes, you can definitely do this in the morning and have it ready for dinner. If you start it around 8ish you’ll be good to go!
Ginger says
Thanks for replying. We are really enjoying this bread. Probably a little too much. ;)
Christina says
What do you think if I let it rise even longer? Would it be too long? Like if I mix it at night for dinner the next day?
Linda says
I have a similar recipe. It says you can leave it on the counter
10-12 hours. After that you can put it in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Remove from the fridge about 1 hour before you bake.
brownsugar says
I look forward to making this bread that can stay in the fridge for up to 7 days
LindseyforLaura@HHM says
I agree. I think leaving it to rise longer will be just fine.
Melissa J. says
Has anyone tried this with instant yeast? It’s all I have right now. I’m going to give it a try and will post back with an update! Excited for fresh bread for breakfast! :)
Jessica says
Do you have an easy recipe similar to this for a cinnimon raisin bread?
Laura says
No I don’t, but I bet you could adapt this one to make it into cinnamon raisin!
Rebekah says
Has anyone broke any dishes making this? I did small loaf in spelt and 1 regular loaf in wheat and white. When I took the spelt loaf out and set the small casserole dish on top of the stove it shattered. Maybe my kitchen was too cool or maybe the glass wasn’t tempered enough. Anyways the bread was great :)
joanna n. says
sorry about your dish! i am curious if you adjusted the recipe at all w/ your spelt loaf; spelt is my flour of choice, although i haven’t used it a lot yet, but i know substituting it doesn’t always work really well.
Rebekah says
I may have added a little extra spelt flour but usually I just sub it 1 for 1. Also I have learned with spelt that its good to add the reccommended amount of flour and let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to let the liquid absorb the flour.
joanna n. says
ok, thanks for the tip & info!
Krista says
Can you use regular loaf pans or do you have to use a baking dish that has a lid?
Laura says
This does require a lid – weird for a bread, huh?! :)
Emily says
It’s because the lid captures the moisture and lets the bread steam and bake at the same time.
It’s what gives it the nice texture. :)
Arouca says
I baked this in the normal aluminum pans and it turned out great. I added abt 1/2 tbsp of butter to the dough and it was very moist. Also, i didn’t use a cover while baking.
Cheryl says
Thank you for sharing this recipe! I gave it a try and improvised lid onto a dish. I had my doubts that it would turn out well but when it was done it looked beautiful and artisan and tasted lovely. Thank you for sharing.
Erin says
My family loves this bread, and we, especially, like it with this infused olive oil that I thought I needed to share. It is a healthier alternative to butter.
Infused Olive Oil
1-2 cups (this depends on how spicy you like it) organic extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried)
1 Tbsp of fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
1/2 tsp real salt or sea salt
1 pinch of crushed red pepper (or more to your liking)
1 clove fresh garlic, minced
(Optional: freshly grated Parmesan cheese)
In quart-size mason jar mix all ingredients; shake well; allow it to “infuse” for about an hour before serving. Use as dipping sauce for bread. You will need to refrigerate if using cheese.
marie says
Homemade infused oils can allow development of botulism; garlic and herbs naturally have botulism on them. Use infused oil within a day or so of making. Refrigeration and/or salt do NOT retard the development of botulism. The FDA says only commercially made infused oils are to be trusted, because it is so difficult to everything right and ensure botulism does not develop. There’s a lot of easily available info. on the internet about this; for example, see http://theolivepress.com/news-blog/be-aware-of-the-risks-of-botulism-with-homemade-garlic-infused-oil
Acids can retard botulism, but since acids & oil won’t easily mix together, that won’t help with homemade infused oils. (You add acid when canning tomatoes because today’s tomatoes are less acidic than in the past. “Doctoring” safe recipes for things like salsa can end up decreasing the required acid, and you end up risking development of botulism.
Erin says
I totally forgot to put this bread in the oven this morning. I wonder what it’ll be like after sitting out for 24 hours!
Katie Long says
I’ve been wanting to make this for months, but I don’t have a covered dish. Tonight I was determined I would find a way, and I am going to try it in a Pyrex mixing bowl (oven safe according to their website), improvising with a Pyrex pie dish for a lid. Wish me luck! :P
kelly g says
I have always made mine in a pyrex covered casserole dish. It works great!
Virginia says
Have you cooked this in Cast Iron? I have done many sourdough loaves this way and they always turned out great. TIA
Laura says
I haven’t, but I would imagine that would work great. Thanks for the idea!
Virginia says
Wanted to tell you I ended up going for it the other day! It turned out beautiful in the Cast Iron. I used a deep one and a smaller one for a lid. Greased it in a little lard and sprinkled cornmeal on the bottom. I did take it out once and tap on the bottom and decided it was not done enough and put it back in for a few mins. but it turned out great!
Virginia says
I am sorry one more question what is the temp. of the water need to be?I just noticed that.
Laura says
It needs to be warm, but not so hot that you can’t poke your finger in comfortably to test it. :)
Gerri J says
Wish I would have known the water needed to be warm when I mixed my dough. Recipe didn’t say warm water so I took it at face value. Hope that won’t make it flop. Also I only had instant yeast so am hoping that will be ok as well
Elixies says
Hi, this looks great! I was wondering if I could add some dried herbs to the dough? Thank you.
Laura says
I don’t see why that wouldn’t work!
Kristi says
I had to add almost a cup more flour because it wasn’t holding a shape….I used fresh ground white wheat….any reason this may have happened? Thanks!
Erin says
Mine never holds a shape either. It still works and makes a really tasty loaf.
raizy says
I just came across your site and this recipe sounds divine! Since I dont own an ovenproof dish,do u think this would work in a disposable aluminum deep pan with a cover?
Laura says
I’ve never tried it that way so can’t say for sure. But I would imagine it would work. :)
raizy says
Thank you for responding. I will definitely let you know how it came out once I try it!
Daryl says
I made this bread and it was very dense in the middle. So I baked it for another 15 min. It didn’t improve on the texture. I did not warm the water before pouring it into the flour mixture, because it wasn’t stated in the recipe. I also used sprouted white wheat flour. Could that have been the reason my bread didn’t turn out? Thanks. Maybe I’ll try it again.
Susan says
Perfect for the lazy mom! Thanks :)
Kayla says
I’m sure you meant to say busy mom…
cause mom and lazy are two words that just don’t go together! :D
Kristy says
I don’t think ANY mom that provides a fresh loaf of bread on the table is lazy!!!!
joanna n. says
this looks amazing! i can’t wait to make it! i currently am making our bread (6 loaves) & freeze the extra, which keeps us in bread for a few wks. however, during busier seasons w/ farming, sometimes i cave & buy bread (gasp!) due to lack of time. that’s not happening anytime soon now! =) thanks for making my day…literally!
Connie says
I bake this in a loaf pan and cover loosely with foil. It creates the same effect as a lid and gives a better shape for sandwiches. I also store it wrapped in plastic wrap or in a baggie while it is still a little warm to help soften the crust just enough for easier slicing.
You can also substitute the plain water with water you have boiled potatoes in for a potato bread. Tastes very good as well.
Susan W says
has anyone ever tried to sub some buttermilk for water to soak the grains?
Amy says
Not sure what I did wrong but this came out super dense and heavy. Minimal handling, fresh, just opened yeast. After 50 minutes @ 450, it was still wet/shiny on the top. Another loaf bites the dust.
Laura says
All I can think of is that maybe your water was too hot and killed the yeast? Super bummer that it didn’t work!!
Amy says
I used a thermometer and the water was 104.3?
I’ve been trying to make bread for years and they always come out like this! I can make your one hour rolls, though, apparently. That’s something at least! Lol
Laura says
Glad the rolls turn out well! 104 should be fine – not sure what’s going on!
Danielle says
Very nice! If my husband hadn’t taken it out when the timer went off at 30 minutes, the center would be as fluffy as the rest of it. The taste and texture are amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda says
Our family loves this bread! It also makes the most amazing pizza dough.
Carmen says
Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Made it last night at around 11:30PM
Baked this this morning around 9
Baked up perfectly.
I used the kitchen aid mixer and my dough was pretty wet and airy. and put a tsp of olive oil in before dropping the dough. I was worried that it would stick. Just seemed counterintuitive to not grease the pan but I am sure it would likely have worked just as well without it.
I used my LeCruset Dutch oven
So I was worried but, it cooked up perfect!
Kids ate with cream cheese and me with real butter!
Thanks for sharing. Nothing like a good recipe that turns out just right the very first time!
God bless.
marie says
I just made it and it wasn’t bad. I probably worked it too much as it was somewhat dense. I want to mention that I have never made bread! I’m in the middle of reading Michael Pollan’s “Cooked” -chapter 3 (“Air”) talks all about bread, and the info. on commercial baking was enough to get me surfing the internet. I’m really interested in doing sour dough (which is a better approach if you want various nutrients to remain in the bread or become accessible).
I don’t have a grain mill but thought I’d go in baby steps and when I came across this recipe, it seemed the place to start. I used Bob’s Red Mill Whole Wheat – it came out fine, although other kinds of wheat (especially if you have a grain mill) probably would be better. I’ll be trying again!
I summarized the comments at the bottom of the document I made for this recipe (I overworked the dough because I hadn’t read the comment!). I thought I’d share:
Water should be warm but not hot (don’t want to kill yeast)
Covered dish size should be at least 2 quarts
Can grease the baking dish but don’t have to
Doesn’t rise much in the 30 min resting period
Don’t overwork it when you’re shaping it – you want it to keep the air that it has in the dough. 20 sec of working.
Can substitute spelt flour 1 to 1. With spelt, add the recommended amount of flour & let the mixture site for 15 min to let the liquid absorb the flour.
Can use regular loaf pans (2); can tent loosely with aluminum foil (but others have reported success without cover)
Good for pizza dough
marie says
If possible, could you explain how you soak spelt flour for this recipe? Do you mix the (warm) water + spelt flour for the recipe together with 1.5 T acid (buttermilk/whey/plain (cultured) yogurt/lemon juice), and let it soak for 7-24 hours (and as I understand, longer (up to 24 hours) is better)? Then do you mix in the yeast & let it sit for another 24 hours, then shape it and let it sit another 30 minutes? I’ve never done this soaked grain thing, but wanted to try this with spelt flour, and in another comment, someone mentions soaking spelt flour makes for better results. Are there any adjustments necessary for this recipe? Thanks again! I’m still eating my first loaf made with Bob’s Red Mill Whole Wheat – as I said before, it was heavy but edible. Perhaps soaking that flour would have helped!
LindseyforLaura@HHM says
We can’t be too much help on that one as we haven’t used spelt flour with this recipe. Hope it works out well for you!
Patty says
i have made this several times and it turned out great! I used the white whole wheat flour. Recently I made this in a loaf shape with half unbleached flour and half white wheat. I buttered the pan and cooked it at 425 for 15 minutes and then reduced the heat to 375. The bread came out great. It made a nice loaf for slicing for sandwiches etc. my hubby loves it and so do I! I haven’t been brave enough to
make bread with kneading etc. maybe that is on my future:) at least I have found a way to have healthier bread. Thank you for all your recipes!
Cathy VanAntwerp says
This was very easy to make and delicious! I used all purpose flour this time. I’ll try a blend of whole wheat and all purpose next time. Thanks for sharing this great recipe!
kentuckylady717 says
4/28/18
Still haven’t made this bread yet, but want to…. got lots of good reviews…..yeast just scares me….. but I just think I will give it a try….
Still reading your blog Laura, how are you doing with the baby?
I think the last I read you were adopting the baby right , or just being a foster parent ?
Since you don’t have a girl, you just might not want to let her go, and adopt her yourself…..I think you’d love it….all Mothers ‘ need a daughter and now you have your chance….go for it……God Bless you Laura and your husband and your boys…..and the little girl you have….
Laura says
We aren’t adopting her – we were the family chosen to take care of her until she went to be with her adoptive family. She’s moved in with them now! Now we are a foster family to a 4-year old boy. :)