Easy No-knead European Bread

This easy no-knead European bread is the perfect addition for dinner at home, a church potluck, or when you just want some extra delicious bread for grilled cheese sandwiches.

It never lasts long in our house. It is great with butter, jam, and of course by itself! It does require a little forethought because it rises overnight. But it is so easy to throw together, it won’t hardly interrupt your evening routine. Go ahead, try it out! I promise, you’ll love it!

This is what you’ll need.

Ingredients (makes 1 loaf; we often double it)

  • 3 c flour
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp yeast
  • 1 1/2 c water

Supplies:

  • Medium size mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups, spoons
  • Dough whisk
  • Towel
  • Cutting board
  • Dutch oven or glass baking dish with lid
  • Sharp knife

That’s it! So simple! Let’s get baking!

Combine flour, salt, yeast, and water. The water doesn’t have to be warm. Just straight from the tap is fine.

Mix together. I like to use a dough whisk. I got mine off of Amazon. You can find it here.

Don’t worry, the dough will seem VERY thick and sticky. Just mix it up, and cover it with a towel. It will be fine!

Now this is why you want to start this the night before. It needs to rise for 14+ hours! So mix it, cover it, and you can forget about it until late morning the next day (or even later)!

After rising, uncover and place on floured cutting board, tray, or cookie sheet. The dough will look more moist and bubbly and be very sticky!

Fold the dough over itself a few times to mix in some of the flour and make it less sticky. Form it into a ball and cover it again.

Let the dough rest for another 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. After preheated, put oven safe dutch oven or glass dish into oven for about 10 minutes. You want the dish to be hot when you put the dough in. Be careful when you take it out! Use hot pads!

Carefully, remove ball of dough from cutting board/tray and place in hot dutch oven or dish. With a sharp knife, cut about a 1/2 inch into the dough and create a line from top to bottom and then two or three additional cuts diagonally on each side.

Cover with lid and put in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top begins to lightly brown. Remove lid and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until golden. Watch carefully! You don’t want it to get too dark on the top or bottom!

Remove from oven and carefully tip out bread from pan, flip right side up, and let cool on a clean dish towel. I’ve found this cooling method helps the bottom not be too tough.

Let cool completely before slicing. I like to use an electric knife to slice this easy no-knead European bread. It keeps the slices smooth and even. I’ve been happy with this one, found here.

I hope you enjoy this delicious easy no-knead European bread. Let me know how it turns out or if you have any questions! Happy bread making!

~ Rachel

Easy No-knead European Bread

Easy No-knead European Bread

Yield: 1 loaf
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Additional Time: 16 hours
Total Time: 16 hours 35 minutes

Delicious crusty, soft European style bread that is sure to be a hit for dinner or your next party! And it's so simple and easy to make!

Ingredients

  • 3 c Flour
  • 1 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Yeast
  • 1 1/2 c Water

Instructions

  1. Mix flour, salt, yeast, and water together in medium size mixing bowl.
  2. Cover with towel and let rest for 14+ hours.
  3. After rising, scrape down onto well-floured cutting board.
  4. Fold dough over itself a few times until it is no longer sticky.
  5. Cover with towel and let rest for at least 2 more hours.
  6. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  7. Place dutch oven or other oven-safe dish with a lid into the oven for 10-15 minutes to preheat.
  8. Carefully remove empty dish from oven and transfer ball of dough into dish.
  9. With a sharp knife, cut a long strip down the middle of the dough about 1/2 inch thick. Cut 2-3 more lines down each side to create a leaf-like design.
  10. Cover dish with lid and place in oven. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until bread starts to lightly brown.
  11. Remove lid and cook for another 5-10 minutes or until bread is golden brown.
  12. Remove from oven and turn onto a clean dish towel to cool.
  13. Once completely cooled, slice and serve.
  14. Enjoy with your favorite bread toppings or plain!

Notes

Since ovens cook so differently, watch your bread carefully. You don't want it to burn on the bottom!

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