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#### 1. **Mix the Dough**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the **flour**, **salt**, and **yeast**. Stir until well mixed. Then, pour in the **warm water** and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together. It will be slightly sticky and shaggy—this is normal! Don’t worry about perfect dough consistency; you don’t need to knead it.
#### 2. **Let the Dough Rise**
Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise at room temperature for about **12-18 hours**. Yes, it’s that simple! During this time, the dough will double in size and develop those beautiful air bubbles inside. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy or uneven—this is what gives the bread its rustic, artisanal texture.
#### 3. **Shape the Dough**
Once the dough has risen, generously flour your work surface. Carefully scrape the dough out of the bowl with a spatula and onto the surface. Gently fold the edges of the dough towards the center to form a round shape. You don’t need to knead it at all—just a few folds to shape it is enough.
#### 4. **Preheat the Oven and Dutch Oven**
Place your **Dutch oven** or an oven-safe pot with a lid into your oven and preheat it to **450°F (230°C)**. Let the pot heat up for about 30 minutes—this is important to create that crispy crust.
#### 5. **Bake the Bread**
Once the pot is preheated, carefully remove it from the oven using oven mitts (it will be extremely hot!). Gently place the shaped dough into the hot pot, cover it with the lid, and bake for about **30 minutes**.
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue to bake the bread for another **10-15 minutes**, until the crust is a deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
#### 6. **Cool and Enjoy**
Let the bread cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before slicing. The aroma of fresh, homemade bread will fill your kitchen, and you won’t be able to resist digging in!
### Tips for Perfect 4-Ingredient No-Knead Bread
– **Use warm water**: The warm water (around 110°F) helps activate the yeast, giving the bread its rise. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, so be sure to keep it at the right temperature.
– **Allow the dough to rise properly**: The long rise time (12-18 hours) is what helps develop the flavor and texture of the bread. Don’t rush this step! You can also let it rise in the fridge for up to 24 hours for an even deeper flavor.
– **Experiment with flavors**: Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with adding herbs, spices, or even cheese to the dough to give it a unique twist. Try adding **rosemary**, **garlic powder**, or **parmesan cheese** for extra flavor.
– **No Dutch oven? No problem!**: If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can use any oven-safe pot with a lid, such as a large casserole dish or even a covered baking pan. The key is to create steam in the oven to help the bread rise and get that crispy crust.
– **Store properly**: To keep the bread fresh, store it in a paper bag or bread box for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices or the entire loaf to enjoy later.
### Why You’ll Love This 4-Ingredient No-Knead Bread
This bread recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the idea of homemade bread but doesn’t have the time or energy to go through the traditional bread-making process. It’s so easy and requires no kneading or complicated techniques, making it perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
With a golden, crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior, each slice of this bread is perfection. Whether you’re slathering it with butter, using it for sandwiches, or enjoying it as an accompaniment to your favorite soup, this bread will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
The best part? It’s made with just four ingredients, and it takes almost no effort to make! You’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious homemade bread can be.
So, the next time you’re craving fresh, warm bread, give this **4-Ingredient No-Knead Bread** recipe a try. It’s the perfect solution for anyone looking to enjoy bakery-quality bread at home with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
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