Skip to main content

No-Knead Whole-Wheat Bread

This recipe uses a long rise time instead of kneading to make a whole-grain bread with nice texture and flavor.
slices of bread from a rustic loaf
Prep time: 20 minutes + 13 hours rising
Cook time: 50 minutes
Makes: 20 pieces
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups whole-wheat flour
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for shaping)
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon instant yeast
1 ½ cups warm water (110 to 125 degrees F)
 

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the flours, salt and yeast. Stir in water to make a loose and sticky dough. If it seems too dry, stir in 1 to 2 Tablespoons warm water.
  3. Cover the bowl with a plate, cutting board or plastic wrap. Let sit on the counter at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours.
  4. When you are ready to bake the bread, turn oven on to 450 degrees F. Place a Dutch oven with lid into the oven to heat for 30 minutes.
  5. Tear off a piece of parchment paper about 12 to 15 inches on each side.
  6. To shape the loaf, sprinkle flour over the top of the dough and on your hands. Using your fingers, gently pull the dough away from the edges of the bowl. Sprinkle more flour along the bowl edge as you work your way around the bowl and to the underside of the dough. When the dough is free from the bowl and in your hands, gently turn under the edges so that you have a round loaf with a smooth top.
  7. Place the dough on the middle of the parchment paper and let it sit until the Dutch oven is ready.
  8. Carefully remove the very hot Dutch oven and take off the lid with a hot pad. Using the corners of the parchment paper, pick up and lower the loaf (and paper) into the Dutch oven.
  9. Use hot pads to place the lid back on the Dutch oven and return it to the oven. Bake covered for 30 minutes.
  10. Remove the lid (be careful of steam) and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. When done, the top will be very crusty and brown and a food thermometer placed in the center of the loaf will read at least 190 degrees F.
  11. Remove the Dutch oven and cool bread for about 5 minutes. Carefully lift the loaf using edges of the parchment and finish cooling on a rack.
  12. Store leftovers in a container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. 

Notes

  • You can score the dough just before baking if you want. Use a very sharp knife to make 2 or 3 cuts about ½ inch deep and 3 to 4 inches long.
  • No Dutch oven? Use any metal pot that is safe to heat to 450 degrees F. If you don’t have a lid, you can cover the pot with heavy aluminum foil.
  • You can also bake the dough in a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Place a strip of parchment paper in the pan that covers the bottom lengthwise and extends up the ends, with several inches extending over the top edge. This will make it easy to lift out the loaf when it is done. Remove the dough from the bowl and gently shape as a rectangle as long as the pan. Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise on the counter for 1 to 2 hours. About 15 minutes before you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Bake the loaf uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes.
  • Try adding ½ to 2/3 cup seeds, such as sunflower, pumpkin or flax seeds. Stir in with all ingredients in step 2. 

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Baked Tortilla Chips
A bowl of baked tortilla chips is shown with salsa for dipping.

Baked Tortilla Chips

Simple homemade tortilla chips. Great recipe to get the kids cooking!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
16 Chips
Cherry Scones
Photo of Cherry Scones

Cherry Scones

Warm and buttery treat combining whole-wheat flour, tart cherries and buttermilk. Perfect for breakfast or on the go.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
10 scones
Gingerbread Pancakes
Stack of golden, fluffy pancakes.

Gingerbread Pancakes

A fun, twist on a breakfast favorite, that is perfect for the holiday season.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
8 pancakes (4-inch)
Wheat Berry Salad
Bowl of wheat berries with a colorful vegetable mix.

Wheat Berry Salad

Whole grains and fresh vegetables make this salad filling and satisfying.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Pesto
Small bowl of pesto served with scrambled eggs.

Pesto

Pesto is a bright green sauce that can be enjoyed many ways. Freeze extra to have for meals and to season soups and sauces all year.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 ¼ cups
Butternut Squash and Chile Pan-Fry
Bowl of seasoned butternut squash topped with shredded cheese.

Butternut Squash and Chile Pan-Fry

This simple and tasty recipe using butternut squash will be a hit with everyone. Enjoy as a side or a filling for quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas or tamales.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
7 Cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.