No-Knead 1-Hour Bread Recipe – Only 1 Cup for 1 Perfect Loaf! 🍞⏱️
October 8, 2025 by admin
Craving homemade bread but short on time and effort? Say hello to this 1-hour no-knead bread recipe that’s taking kitchens by storm! With just 1 cup of ingredients per loaf, no kneading, and only a single hour from start to finish, this recipe proves that making fluffy, golden, crusty bread doesn’t need to be complicated.
Whether you’re new to baking or simply in a rush, this recipe delivers a quick, soft, and delicious homemade loaf using just 4 simple ingredients and a bowl. No fancy equipment, no long proofing times, and absolutely no kneading required.
Why You’ll Love This 1-Hour No-Knead Bread
- Ready in 1 hour – from mixing to slicing
- No kneading or special tools
- Soft, chewy inside with a golden crust
- Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or dipping
- Just 4 ingredients you already have at home
🥖 Ingredients (Makes 1 Loaf)
- 3 cups flour
Use white spelled or white wheat flour for best results. - 1.5 cups warm water
Not hot – just warm enough to activate the yeast (about 100°F / 38°C). - 2 heaping teaspoons salt
Balances the flavor and strengthens the gluten structure. - 2 teaspoons dry yeast (active or instant)
This gives the bread its rise – no need to activate if using instant yeast.
🔪 Instructions: How to Make No-Knead Bread in Just 1 Hour
Step 1: Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 3 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
- 2 heaping teaspoons salt
- Add 1.5 cups warm water, and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms.
- Don’t overmix — just make sure there’s no dry flour left.
📝 The dough will be sticky and wet – that’s what gives it the soft, airy crumb!
Step 2: Let It Rise (30 Minutes)
- Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel.
- Place it in a warm, draft-free area for 30 minutes.
- The dough should double in size and look bubbly on the surface.
💡 In colder kitchens, you can place the bowl in a turned-off oven with the light on to help it rise faster.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Place a Dutch oven or oven-safe baking dish (with lid if you have one) inside to preheat.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- After 30 minutes, sprinkle a little flour on your counter or parchment paper.
- Gently turn out the dough and shape it into a rough round or oval.
- Don’t knead or punch it down — just fold it gently into shape.
🔄 Too sticky to handle? Dust lightly with flour, but avoid adding too much — we want to keep the moisture inside.
Step 5: Bake
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven or pan from the oven.
- Place the shaped dough inside (you can use parchment paper to transfer it safely).
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until deep golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let your bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes.
- Slice and enjoy warm, or toast for extra crunch.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This easy, rustic bread is extremely versatile. Try it with:
- Butter and sea salt
- Garlic olive oil dip
- Soups and stews
- Grilled cheese or sandwiches
- Avocado and poached eggs
🧠 Pro Baking Tips
- ✅ Warm water = happy yeast – About 100°F (not hot!).
- ✅ Sticky dough = airy crumb – Resist adding too much flour.
- ✅ Steam = crispy crust – Bake in a Dutch oven or place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of your oven.
- ✅ Use parchment for easy transfer – Especially if your Dutch oven is very hot.
⏲️ Time Breakdown
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Mixing | 5 minutes |
| Rising | 30 minutes |
| Baking | 40–45 minutes |
| Cooling | 15 minutes |
| Total | ~1 hour 15 min (mostly hands-off!) |
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of spelled or wheat?
Yes! All-purpose flour works great and makes a soft, airy bread. You can also mix whole wheat flour for a denser, nutty version.
What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
Use a heavy baking sheet or loaf pan and place a pan of hot water on the lower oven rack to create steam.
Can I add herbs or cheese?
Absolutely! Add rosemary, garlic, shredded cheese, or olives to the dough before baking for extra flavor.
How long will it stay fresh?
This bread stays soft for up to 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, slice and freeze it in a sealed bag.
Is this bread vegan?
Yes — there are no eggs, dairy, or animal products in the recipe.
🧡 Final Thoughts
This 1-cup, no-knead bread is a total game-changer for home bakers. It’s fast, simple, and turns out perfectly every time. Whether you’re new to baking or just want fresh bread without the fuss, this recipe delivers artisan-style results with minimal effort.
Golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and ready in under an hour — it’s a loaf you’ll find yourself making again and again.