🍞 No-Knead Homemade Bread (Soft & Fluffy)

A simple, beginner-friendly bread recipe with no eggs, no butter, and no kneading required. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with your favorite toppings.

⏱ Time Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding resting time)

• Resting Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes

• Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes

📋 Ingredients

Tip: You can replace olive oil with vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil.

🥣 Preparation Steps

1. Make the Liquid Mixture

• In a large bowl, mix water, sugar, and yeast.

• Stir well until dissolved.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add bread flour and salt to the wet mixture.

• Mix until a sticky dough forms.

3. Add Olive Oil

• Mix in olive oil using a spatula until fully combined.

4. Initial Rest (Autolyse)

• Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap.

• Let the dough rest for 20 minutes.

5. Stir Again

• After resting, stir the dough again until it becomes smoother.

• This helps gluten develop without kneading.

6. First Rise (Proofing)

• Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

7. Prepare for Shaping

• Lightly flour your work surface (silicone mat recommended).

• Transfer the dough, deflate it gently, and flatten it out.

8. Fold & Shape

• Fold the dough over itself 4 times.

• Shape it into a round ball.

9. Divide and Shape

• Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces.

• Shape each into a tight ball by rotating it under cupped hands.

10. Rest the Dough Balls

• Cover with a towel and let rest for 15 minutes.

11. Shape for the Mold

• Flatten each dough ball gently.

• Fold in the sides and roll into a log shape using a rolling pin.

• Seal the end tightly.

12. Second Rise

• Place shaped dough into a greased or lined 450g loaf pan (20.8 × 11.8 × 11 cm).

• Let rise in a warm spot for 50 minutes, until the dough fills about 80–90% of the mold.

🔥 Baking

• Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).

• Bake the loaf for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Check doneness: Tap the bottom – it should sound hollow. Or use a thermometer: center should reach 93°C (200°F).

❄️ Cool & Serve

• Cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes.

• Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.

🧠 Pro Tips

• No kneading required – time and rest do the work for you.

• Use gluten-free flour with xanthan gum if desired.

• Add-ins welcome: Try herbs, seeds, nuts, or spices for flavor.

• Adjust baking time depending on your oven and pan size.

🥪 Serving Ideas

• Perfect for toast, sandwiches, French toast, or dipping in soup.

• Top with avocado, butter, jam, or cheese.

🗃️ Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Wrap in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.

❓ FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. You may need extra water.

Can I use instant yeast?
Yes. Use 2g (¾ tsp) of instant yeast instead.

Why is my bread dense?
Possible causes: under-proofing, over-proofing, or too much flour. Dough should be soft and elastic.

Can I use another pan?
Yes. Adjust baking time based on the shape and size of your pan.

Why is the second rise important?
It enhances the texture and flavor, giving a soft and airy result.

✅ Why You’ll Love This Bread

• No kneading, no eggs, no butter.

• Pantry-friendly ingredients.

• Super soft texture.

• Budget-friendly and beginner-friendly.