No-Knead Artisan Bread
No-Knead Artisan Bread is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Fast Easy Delicious on YouTube.
Prep: 2 hrs 5 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 2 hrs 50 min
Cost: $1.62 total, $0.27 per serving
Ingredients
- 480 ml Water (room temperature)
- 8 g Instant Dry Yeast (no odor, 2.5 teaspoons)
- 650 g Bread Flour (12% protein, about 5½ cups)
- 8 g Salt (1½ teaspoons, fine sea or kosher salt)
Instructions
Dissolve Yeast
Combine the water and instant dry yeast in the mixing bowl and stir until the yeast fully dissolves.
Time: PT2M
Add Flour and Salt
Add the bread flour and salt to the bowl and mix with a hand mixer or wooden spoon until no dry flour remains and the dough is soft, moist, and slightly sticky.
Time: PT5M
First Rise
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 1–1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Time: PT1H30M
Prepare Dough for Baking
Sprinkle a little flour on top of the risen dough, then gently scrape it with a spatula without pressing down. Lift the dough by holding the edges of the parchment paper.
Time: PT5M
Second Proof
Place the parchment‑wrapped dough onto your chosen baking dish, cover loosely, and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Bake with Steam
Preheat the oven to 210°C (410°F). Place a small saucepan of boiling water on the bottom rack for steam, then bake the bread for about 30 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 210°C
Finish and Serve
Remove the bread from the oven, spread butter on top while hot, and drizzle with honey if desired. Slice and serve immediately.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 200
- Protein
- 6g
- Carbohydrates
- 40g
- Fat
- 1g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by omitting butter and honey
Allergens: Wheat, Dairy (if butter is used), Honey (bee product)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Instant Dry Yeast: Active dry yeast (use 10% more), Fresh yeast (use 30% more, crumble)
- Instead of Bread Flour: All‑purpose flour (may produce slightly softer crust), Whole‑wheat flour (use half and half for texture)
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt, Sea salt
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand Mixer or Wooden Spoon (optional)
- Spatula
- Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap
- Parchment (Baking) Paper
- Baking Dish or Sheet Pan
- Oven
- Small Saucepan for Boiling Water
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mix until no dry flour remains
- First rise until dough doubles in size
- Bake with steam at 210°C for 30 minutes
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements; it improves consistency.
- Instant yeast eliminates the need to proof separately, saving time.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of honey or olive oil to the dough before mixing.
Troubleshooting
Dough does not rise.
Make sure the yeast is fresh and the water is not too hot or cold; keep the dough in a warm (around 24‑27°C) environment.
Crust is too hard or burnt.
Reduce oven temperature by 10‑15°C or shorten baking time; ensure the steam bowl is not empty, which can dry the crust.
Dough is overly sticky and hard to handle.
Add a tablespoon of flour at a time while mixing, but keep the dough slightly sticky for a tender crumb.
Storage
Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Keep in a bread box or paper bag for up to 2 days.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate the dough for 12–18 hours for deeper flavor; bake directly from the fridge.
- Freeze the baked loaf, wrapped tightly, and reheat in a 180°C oven for 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of no‑knead bread in American home baking?
No‑knead bread became popular in the early 2000s after a New York Times article demonstrated that a simple, low‑effort method could produce bakery‑quality loaves, sparking a home‑baking movement across the United States.
How does no‑knead bread fit into the broader American bread tradition?
It modernizes the classic American loaf by eliminating labor‑intensive kneading, making artisan‑style crusty bread accessible to busy households while preserving the tradition of homemade bread.
What regional variations of quick, no‑knead bread exist in the United States?
In the Pacific Northwest, bakers often add whole‑grain flours; in the South, a touch of cornmeal is mixed in for texture; and in New England, honey or maple syrup is sometimes added for a subtle sweetness.
What occasions or celebrations is no‑knead bread traditionally associated with in American culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, it is a staple for family gatherings, weekend brunches, and casual dinner parties where fresh, warm bread adds comfort and hospitality.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in this no‑knead bread versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic recipe calls for bread flour, instant dry yeast, salt, and water. Substitutes include all‑purpose flour for a softer crumb, active dry yeast (use slightly more), and kosher or sea salt.
What other American dishes pair well with this no‑knead artisan bread?
It pairs beautifully with classic American soups like chicken noodle, hearty stews, chili, or simply with butter and jam for a quick snack.
How has the no‑knead bread method evolved over time in American home cooking?
Initially a novelty, the method has been refined with variations like adding autolyse periods, using different flours, and incorporating steam trays, making it a versatile base for many modern home bakers.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making no‑knead bread?
Common errors include under‑mixing which leaves dry flour, insufficient rise time, and baking without steam, which results in a dull crust. Follow the timing and steam instructions carefully.
Why does this recipe use instant dry yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Instant dry yeast dissolves directly in the water without a separate proofing step, keeping the process truly no‑knead and reducing overall preparation time.
What does the YouTube channel Fast Easy Delicious specialize in?
The YouTube channel Fast Easy Delicious focuses on simple, time‑saving recipes that require minimal equipment and effort, delivering tasty home‑cooked meals for busy people.
How does the YouTube channel Fast Easy Delicious' approach to American bread making differ from other cooking channels?
Fast Easy Delicious emphasizes ultra‑simple, no‑knead techniques and avoids complex shaping, whereas many other channels demonstrate traditional kneading and scoring methods, making this channel’s bread especially accessible for beginners.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
