No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Learn to make delicious rustic Italian artisan bread with no kneading. This recipe will help you craft the perfect loaf of bread every time.

This delicious homemade Italian bread loaf is made from a simple no-knead dough. Unlike traditional bread-making methods, this recipe involves a minimal effort to produce maximum flavor. All you need is flour, salt, yeast, and water to create a crusty loaf of bread with an airy crumb.

The secret to this bread's success lies in the fast-acting yeast and letting the dough sit until it doubles in size. Adding honey further enhances the flavor profile and gives the yeast a sugar to feed on. The result is an impressive-looking loaf that tastes as good as it looks!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Variations
• Tips
• Serving suggestions
• Storage
• FAQ
• Related Recipes
• Recipe
• Comments

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to create authentic Italian-style crusty bread. Once you have mastered this easy recipe, there are endless possibilities for adding your own twist by experimenting with different flours or adding herbs and spices to create unique flavors.

Here are the ingredients needed to make this recipe:

• all-purpose flour
• lukewarm water (100-110°F)
• instant yeast
• honey
• salt

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

To make a no-knead homemade bread, all you need to do is combine the ingredients by following the steps below. Then, cover it, and let it sit until the dough has doubled in size before forming and baking the loaf.

After baking, let the loaf cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before cutting.

Variations

This no-knead Italian artisan bread recipe is very versatile.

• Try adding different herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for added flavor.
• Change the bread flour to make the bread healthier and more nutritious. Whole wheat or rye flour are great options.
• Brush the outside of the dough with extra-virgin olive oil before baking. This will add flavor, help create a crispy crust, and help keep the bread moist while baking.

Tips

Here are a few bread baking tips:

• Ensure your oven is preheated to the right temperature before baking. Preheating your oven ensures that the dough gets cooked evenly, producing a crispy crust on top.
• Allow the dough to sit in a warm spot until it doubles in size. This allows yeast to ferment properly and produce carbon dioxide gas which causes bubbles in the dough.
• Let the bread cool down for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the bread to settle and make slicing easier.
• Use an electric hand or stand mixer with dough hooks. Although it's unnecessary, creating the dough using the dough hooks on an electric mixer is easier.
• Line a regular baking sheet or baking stone with parchment paper if you don't have one with a non-stick coating.

Serving suggestions

An Italian Artisan Bread is a great addition to any meal. It can be served as an appetizer with seasoned olive oil or butter. It can be used as the base for sandwiches and paninis. To bring out its flavor, try lightly toasting it before serving.

For a more substantial dish, use the bread as the foundation for bruschetta. Start by brushing slices of the bread with olive oil and then grilling them until they are lightly golden brown. Top with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for an easy appetizer that will impress your guests.

For breakfast or brunch, try making French toast with the bread. Cut thick slices and dip them in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk before frying in butter until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup or your favorite topping for a delicious start to your day!

It's also a classic addition to serve with steak pasta or lamb bolognese. Or try it topped with curried chicken salad.

Storage

The best way to store Italian artisan bread is in a cool, dry place. If you have enough space in your kitchen, you can store it in a bread box or on a shelf. Alternatively, you can wrap the bread in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the bread for up to three months. Be sure to wrap the bread tightly before freezing so that it doesn’t get freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat the frozen bread, thaw it at room temperature before serving.

FAQ

Related Recipes

Love bread? Here are a few more small-batch recipes you can try.

• Cornbread for two is perfectly sweet and crumbly.
• Easy yeast rolls are fluffy and delicious.
• Buttermilk biscuits for two are flaky, buttery, and irresistibly tender.
• Air fryer garlic bread is a great way to use this homemade bread.

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