This 3-ingredient artisan bread is the perfect recipe for both beginners and seasoned bakers. With a crisp golden crust and a soft, airy interior, it’s a versatile bread that complements soups, stews, or simply a spread of butter. The best part? It requires no kneading or fancy tools—just patience and a few pantry staples.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It uses only three ingredients, making it budget-friendly and convenient.
The no-knead method makes it accessible for everyone, even those new to baking.
Its rustic appearance and flavor rival bakery-quality artisan bread.
Perfect for any occasion, from cozy family meals to serving guests.
The long fermentation time develops a deep, delicious flavor without added effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
Directions
In a large bowl, I combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Then, I add the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Covering the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel, I let the dough rise at room temperature for 8-12 hours, or overnight, until it’s doubled in size and bubbly.
Preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C), I place a Dutch oven (or heavy oven-safe pot with a lid) inside to heat for 30 minutes.
While the pot heats, I lightly flour my work surface and hands. Turning the dough out onto the surface, I gently shape it into a ball without kneading.
Using parchment paper, I lower the dough ball into the heated Dutch oven. Covering it with the lid, I bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, I remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
Finally, I transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 10 slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Rising Time: 8-12 hours
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 9 hours
Variations
Herbed Artisan Bread: Add dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the flour mixture for a flavorful twist.
Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
Cheesy Delight: Mix in shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan before shaping the dough.
Seeded Crust: Sprinkle sesame, poppy, or sunflower seeds on the surface before baking for added texture.
Sweet Version: Incorporate a handful of raisins and a dash of cinnamon for a lightly sweet bread.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: I store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: I wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: To refresh the crust, I warm the bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.
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FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, but you’ll need to dissolve it in the warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before mixing it into the dry ingredients.
Do I have to use a Dutch oven?
A heavy oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid works just as well. The lid traps steam, creating the perfect crust.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for yeast bread can work, but the texture may vary.
What’s the purpose of the long rising time?
The long rise allows the dough to develop complex flavors and a perfect texture without kneading.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The crust should be deep golden brown, and the bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Conclusion
This 3-ingredient artisan bread proves that simple ingredients and methods can yield extraordinary results. It’s a recipe I turn to when I want homemade bread without hassle. With its rustic charm and endless variations, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen too. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed.
📖 Recipe:
Print3 Ingredient Artisan Bread
- Total Time: 9 hours
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This 3-ingredient artisan bread recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Featuring a crispy golden crust and a soft, airy interior, this no-knead bread is bakery-quality with minimal effort. Enjoy it with soups, stews, or as a stand-alone treat.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Add warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let rise at room temperature for 8-12 hours, until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven inside to heat for 30 minutes.
- Lightly flour a surface and shape dough into a ball without kneading.
- Transfer the dough onto parchment paper and place it in the preheated Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Experiment with variations like adding herbs, seeds, or cheese to customize the bread.
For gluten-free bread, use a specialized gluten-free flour blend for yeast breads.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer shelf life.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Rising Time: 8-12 hours
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Rustic Artisan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 slices
- Calories: 140 kcal