Peasant Bread -The Easiest Bread You Will Ever Make

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Do you ever come across a recipe that feels like it was made just for you? That’s exactly how I felt when I discovered this Easy No-Knead Peasant Bread. As a busy mom juggling meal planning, soccer practice, and everything in between, I don’t have the time (or patience) for complicated bread recipes. But this bread? It’s like magic!

It’s soft, fluffy, and perfect for everything from slathering with butter to dunking into a hearty soup. The best part? No kneading, no special equipment, and no fuss. Even if you’ve never baked bread before, this recipe will make you feel like a seasoned pro.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless: No kneading required—just mix, rise, and bake.
• Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.
• Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, side dishes, or even as a snack with a drizzle of honey.
• Quick Prep Time: Most of the time is spent waiting for the dough to rise.

Tips for Making the Best No-Knead Peasant Bread

• Choose the Right Bowl: Since this dough is sticky, use a large bowl for mixing and rising. A glass or stainless steel bowl works perfectly.
• Warm Water is Key: Your water should be warm (around 110°F/45°C), not hot, to activate the yeast. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast.
• Don’t Overthink It: The dough will be sticky and shaggy—that’s totally normal!
• Use a Dutch Oven or Oven-Safe Dish: If you don’t have a Dutch oven, any oven-safe bowl or casserole dish with a lid will do. The lid helps trap steam for that perfect crust.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Add shredded cheese, herbs, or garlic to the dough for fun flavor variations.

Easy No-Knead Peasant Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)

Instructions

1. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Gradually add warm water, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms.
2. First Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it sit in a warm spot for 1.5–2 hours until the dough has doubled in size.
3. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven (or oven-safe pot with a lid) inside the oven to heat for 30 minutes.
4. Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a work surface and your hands. Gently turn the dough out and shape it into a ball (don’t knead).
5. Second Rise: Place the dough on parchment paper and let it rest for 20–30 minutes while the Dutch oven finishes heating.
6. Bake: Carefully place the dough (with the parchment) into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
7. Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Common Questions

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Absolutely! Instant yeast works just as well. Skip the step of dissolving it in warm water; just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Q: Do I really need a Dutch oven?
A: While a Dutch oven gives you that bakery-style crust, you can use any oven-safe dish with a lid. If you don’t have a lid, a sturdy aluminum foil cover works too.

Q: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
A: You can try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture will be slightly different.

Q: How should I store the bread?
A: Store it in a bread bag or wrapped in a kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze it in an airtight bag.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes! If you have a large enough bowl and Dutch oven, you can easily double the ingredients.

Why We Can’t Stop Making It

I’ve made this bread so many times that it’s become a family favorite. My kids love it warm with butter, my husband devours it with his favorite chili, and I can’t resist sneaking a slice with some jam during my quiet coffee moments.

If you’ve been hesitant to try baking bread, this Easy No-Knead Peasant Bread is the perfect place to start. It’s forgiving, foolproof, and the results will make you feel like a rockstar in the kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments! 😊