Soft, Fluffy, and Unbelievably Simple
I’ve baked this bread more times than I can count. Whether it’s a Monday or a lazy Sunday morning, this no knead bread recipe never lets me down. It’s everything you want in a homemade loaf: tender inside, golden outside, and made with pantry basics—without the need for eggs, butter, or kneading.
If you’re someone who’s ever felt intimidated by bread making, let this be your turning point. This recipe is so simple, you’ll feel like a seasoned baker after one try. And your kitchen will smell amazing—guaranteed.
🧡 Why This No Knead Bread is a Game-Changer
✅ No Special Tools or Ingredients Required
You don’t need a stand mixer, bread machine, or any fancy flour. Just a bowl, spoon, and loaf pan.
✅ Totally Beginner-Friendly
If you can stir with a spoon, you can make this bread. It’s perfect for first-timers and anyone with a busy schedule.
✅ Egg-Free, Dairy-Free, Fuss-Free
Whether you’re vegan, baking during an egg shortage, or just want a light, simple loaf—this one checks every box.
✅ Versatile & Reliable
It’s perfect for toast, sandwiches, or simply enjoying warm with jam. It freezes well and makes excellent croutons too.
🔥 The Secret to Great No Knead Bread
You might wonder—how can bread turn out soft and fluffy without kneading?
The magic lies in hydration and time. This recipe uses a wetter dough than traditional loaves. That extra moisture gives yeast the flexibility it needs to develop gluten naturally—no elbow grease required.
The two rise periods allow the structure to form gradually, producing a pillowy crumb and satisfying crust. It’s like artisan bread, but without the artisan effort.
🍞 Real-Life Rave Reviews
💬 “This bread saved me when I ran out of eggs and butter. I can’t believe how soft it is!” – Amanda M.
💬 “I make this once a week now. My kids actually fight over the last slice.” – Jordan R.
💬 “Added some rosemary and garlic—wow. It’s now my go-to bread for soups!” – Priya S.
📌 Ideas for Customization
You’ll want to make it repeatedly after you’ve made it once. 4. Here are some ideas to make it different:
- Herbed Loaf: Add 1 tbsp of dried herbs or 1 tsp garlic powder
- Whole Wheat Version: Swap 1½ cups of flour with whole wheat flour
- Seeded Crust: Sprinkle sunflower seeds or oats on top before baking
- Sweet Touch: Stir in cinnamon and raisins for a breakfast loaf
Bonus: The dough is forgiving! As long as you stick close to the flour-to-water ratio, you can’t go wrong.
🧠 FAQs – Answered!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour with xanthan gum included.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast—just bloom it longer (10–15 mins) before mixing in flour.
Do I need a loaf pan?
Not at all! You can pour the dough into an 8-inch cake pan or shape it and bake on a lined baking sheet.
How do I store it?
Keep it in a bread box or wrapped in foil at room temp for 3–4 days. It also freezes beautifully (see below).
🧊 How to Freeze This Bread
This loaf is a meal prep dream. After it cools completely:
- Slice the bread.
- Place parchment paper between slices.
- Store in a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 1 month.
To reheat, toast from frozen or warm in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F.
🥪 Delicious Ways to Serve It
This bread is humble but mighty. Try these delicious pairings:
- Toasted with vegan butter or jam
- As the base for avocado toast
- For melty grilled cheese or BLTs
- Torn and dipped in olive oil & balsamic
- Cubed for homemade croutons
🔗 Helpful Baking Resources
- King Arthur’s Guide to Yeast Types
- Sally’s Bread-Baking Tips
- Minimalist Baker: Vegan Butter
- Bread Storage Hacks
📋 Finally: The No Knead Bread Recipe
Thanks for sticking around! Here’s the soft, fluffy, no-knead masterpiece that started it all:
🍞 No Knead Bread Recipe
🧺 Ingredients You’ll Need
For a single loaf, gather these five humble staples:
-
3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
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1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water
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2 teaspoons sugar
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1 ½ teaspoons salt
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2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
Tip: Water should be warm to the touch (around 100–110°F/37–43°C) to properly activate the yeast. Not hot—just comfortably warm.
🍽️ Step-by-Step: How to Make No Knead Bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a large bowl. Gently stir and leave for five to ten minutes. You’ll start to see bubbles and foam—this means your yeast is alive and ready.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add the flour and salt into the bowl. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. It won’t look pretty—and that’s perfectly fine.
Step 3: First Rise
Use plastic wrap or a fresh kitchen towel to cover the bowl. Place it in a warm, draft-free spot and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. (If your kitchen is cold, try placing the bowl in your turned-off oven with the light on.)
Step 4: Second Rise in the Pan
Grease a standard loaf pan (9×5-inch works great). Scrape the dough into the pan using a spatula—don’t worry if it’s sticky. Smooth out the top, cover again, and let it rise for 30 more minutes.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the dough has risen again, bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 6: Cool & Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing, if you can. Enjoy it plain, toasted, or with a smear of jam or plant-based butter.
Nutrition (per slice, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: ~140
- Carbs: 26g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Fiber: 1g
✨ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to baking or just looking for a low-effort loaf, this no knead bread recipe will be your new favorite. It’s simple, satisfying, and customizable for any day of the week. Bake it once—and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
PrintEasy No Knead Bread Recipe (No Eggs or Butter!)
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This easy no knead bread recipe is soft, fluffy, and made without eggs or butter—perfect for beginners! Just 5 ingredients and no kneading required. Ideal for toast, sandwiches, or enjoying warm with jam, this vegan-friendly loaf is simple, budget-friendly, and always a hit.
Ingredients
-
3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
-
1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water
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2 teaspoons sugar
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1 1/2 teaspoons salt
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2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
Instructions
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Activate the Yeast:
In a large bowl, stir together warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. -
Mix the Dough:
Add flour and salt to the bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms—no kneading required. -
First Rise (1 Hour):
Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. -
Second Rise (30 Minutes):
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Pour dough into the pan and smooth the top. Let rise for another 30 minutes. -
Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. -
Cool & Slice:
Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool fully before slicing.
Notes
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Use whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf (replace up to 1½ cups).
-
Add herbs, garlic, or seeds for custom flavors.
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Freezes well: slice and store with parchment between slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: American