This no-knead artisan bread is the easiest bread recipe you’ll ever make! You only need one bowl and 3 simple ingredients. This recipe is perfect for beginners!

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3 Ingredient Bread Recipe
Homemade bread is seriously pure comfort and a staple in my home. The very first recipe I ever made from scratch was my homemade white bread, which my family adores. I’ve made many more over the years, like my homemade bagels, homemade French bread and whole wheat bread recipe.
You seriously won’t find an easier bread recipe than this! It comes together with only 3 ingredients (I don’t count water as an ingredient) and is perfect for beginner bakers like my best dinner rolls. There’s no kneading required and the dough can be made in one bowl. Plus it only takes minutes to prep just like Irish soda bread.
I shaped this bread into a French Boule (circle) similar to a sourdough bread recipe, but you can shape it into a French baguette, rolls, pizza dough, or ciabatta. It’s super versatile and a recipe you’ll want to save for when you just have a few ingredients on hand.
Easy Artisan Bread Ingredients
This is an art form of bread! It is crispy, and crunchy on the outside with a soft inside. Every bite is warm and comforting. These ingredients are pantry staples. Make this easy bread recipe quickly and easily!

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- All-purpose flour: Make sure to sift or use a spoon to add the flour to the measuring cups. This will help the homemade artisan bread raise properly and makes chewier bread. You make need a little more when you knead bread too.
- Kosher salt: This helps slow down the growth of the yeast as well as adds flavor. You will need to let the dough rise longer because there is no sugar in the ingredients to help build the yeast.
- Dry yeast packet: Instant yeast or active dry yeast works great to help the dough rise when mixed with water. Commercial yeast is best, no need for a sourdough starter from scratch.
- Warm water: Get your water up to 105°F. This will activate yeast to raise the dough.
How to Make Artisan Bread
Only 3 main pantry ingredients to make this homemade artisan bread. Prepare a work surface to make this bread perfectly. It is beautiful and delicious!

- Make the dough. Add salt and yeast to a large bowl, then pour the warm water on top. Add the flour in all at once, then mix together. I used a dough whisk, but feel free to use a spatula, wooden spoon, or even your hands. The dough will still be sticky once it’s mixed together, but this is what you want.
- Cover and let rise. Cover the bowl with a towel until the dough doubles in size. This will take about 2 to 3 hours, however the longer you allow it to rise the better. You can leave it on the counter to rise for up to 12 hours. Once it rises, you can prepare to bake or cover the bowl with saran wrap and stick it in the refrigerator to bake later. It will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Shape the dough. Dust your hands with flour, then lightly turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into your preferred shape, ensuring not to punch it down or knead it. I like to shape mine into a French boule (round circle). Or shape it into 2 loaves and tuck the ends under. Add a light dust of flour on top, then use a bread knife to make about 1 to 4 lines across the top.
- Let rest again. Line a pizza peel, skillet, or pan with parchment, then lightly sprinkle flour on top. Add the dough and let rest for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Bake in the oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F. You want the bread to cook on a hot surface, so place a baking stone, pizza stone, or flipped-over iron skillet into the oven. Let it warm in the oven for about 20 minutes while the oven preheats.
Cooking Tips
Get ready to learn all about the tips and ways to make this artisan bread the best. Bake this homemade bread in different ways, measure it perfectly, and patiently wait for the bread to rise before baking. All these great things will add up to the best artisan bread!
- Double it! You can easily double this recipe to make an extra loaf and freeze it for later.
- Baking stone. If you don’t have a baking stone, you can turn a cast iron skillet or baking sheet upside down and place it in to then to heat up.
- Parchment paper. Use parchment paper to easily slide the dough ball onto the hot skillet in the oven. The bread will cook on parchment paper.
- Measure perfectly. Knowing how to measure flour accurately can make a big difference in texture.
- Raise. The longer you let it rise, the chewier the bread will be. You can let it rise on the counter for up to 12-18 hours and up to a week in the refrigerator. I prefer to make it the night before I bake it.
- Small loaves. Split the dough in half if you’d prefer to make 2 smaller loaves. This recipe makes about a 9-inch loaf.
- Crusty crust. If you don’t have a broiler pan, stick a cup of water in a small oven-safe pan or toss in about 5 ice cubes to help keep steam in the oven. This will create a crusty crust.
- Storing. Store in a paper bag so it doesn’t soften.

What to Serve with Artisan Bread?
Artisan bread is perfect on its own with a little bit of butter or jam or warm out of the oven. Cook your favorite soup, mix together a salad or use it as sliced bread for a sandwich. The possibilities are endless!
- This bread tastes impressive alongside a warm bowl of chicken noodles or tomato soup.
- Spread butter, garlic herb butter, or strawberry jam on top.
- Dip into a warm cheese dip or this bread dipping oil recipe.
- Use it to make a grilled caprese sandwich.
Recipe FAQs
Artisan bread is a leaner formulation with low sugar and fat level compared to other types of bread. There is little to no use of dough conditioners and high or low hydration levels. It is known to be good for you compared to other bread recipes.
Artisan bread is known for its shape, texture, and appearance. It has a special flavor and aroma that is comforting with a sweet and savory taste.
If you are making a whole-grain handmade artisan loaf, then yes, it is a bit healthier. It contains a great source of fiber, antioxidants, and other ways to help reduce the risk of diabetes among other health benefits.

“This is the best recipe! I couldn’t be happier with the results. My family loved this, and it was so easy to make. I will make this time and time again. There is something so comforting about a warm slice of home made bread.”
Ready to make more bread recipes? Try making your own Italian bread, pita bread, fry bread or no knead bread!
More Homemade Bread Recipes

Artisan Bread Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 3 cups (395 grams) all-purpose flour , or bread flour
- ½ Tablespoon Kosher salt
- ¼ ounce instant or active dry yeast packet , or 2 1/4 teaspoons
- 1 ½ cups warm water , 105°F
Instructions
Make dough:
- Place the flour, salt and yeast in a large bowl. Then pour the warm water (about 105°F) over top, making sure it's not too hot. Then you can use a dough whisk, spatula, wooden spoon or your hands to mix together. The dough should still be somewhat wet and sticky, but add more flour if it's too sticky to handle.
- Once the flour is all mixed in, cover with a towel or plastic wrap spayed with nonstick spray for 2-10 hours, or you can leave on the counter overnight. The longer you let it rise, the more it will ferment.
Shape:
- Wet your hands and turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. The dough will be sticky. Do not punch it down, knead it or roll it out. Gently pull the sides up and fold into the middle to make your preferred shape. I typically work it into a French boule (round circle) or 2 loaves and tuck the ends under.
- Place dough on a piece of parchment paper. Lightly dust the top with flour and then use a bread knife to add 1-4 lines across the top. Let it rest about 20-30 minutes.
Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place a baking stone, a pizza stone, dutch oven or a iron skillet into the oven.
- Slide the dough with the parchment paper onto the hot stone. To make crustier, place either 1 cup of hot water in a small broiler pan or 5 ice cubes into the bottom of the oven and shut the door to trap the steam. Then bake for 25-30 minutes or until browned.
- Allow to cool on a cooling rack for at least 30 minutes. Slice the bread and serve. Store in a paper bag so it doesn't soften.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Sky
Made this today and added garlic lavender pepper (from bates lavender farm). It was delicious!!! Great texture and so easy to make!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Sounds delicious on the garlic lavender! So glad it worked out for you!
Marymac
I made this recipe and the bread was delicious! My husband is on a low sodium meal plan, and therefore I only added 1/2 tsp of salt instead of 1 tablespoon. I think this will be my go to bread recipe because it was so easy to make. I’ve added 3/4 tsp of caraway seeds to today’s loaf. Let’s hope it tastes as great as the original recipe. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Katrina
My bread always comes out raw in the middle. I followed the recipe exactly and even left it in the oven an extra 10 minutes, no help :( any tips?
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Hi Katrina, sorry to hear this, we have never encountered this happening! Common reasons could be under proofing the bread or an oven that is too hot. I would try proofing the dough longer first before changing the temp and see how that goes.
Barbara
My first attempt at making bread! Smells great in the kitchen, let’s hope it tastes as good.
Didn’t rise as much as I thought it should. Let it rise for 5 hrs.
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Temperature can really affect rising time, hope the bread turned out great!
Vickie M
Absolutely delicious!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Thanks for leaving a review of the artisan bread Vickie!
Jacquelyn
This is easy and absolutely delicious!! Everyone loves it!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Thank you for the review of the artisan bread! Glad to hear it was a success!
Stefanie
Best bread recipe ever! Super easy and amazingly delicious!!! Might have to make this once a week!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
So glad you enjoyed the Artisan bread!
Stacey m
It was super easy and tastes amazing!!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Thanks for the review of the Artisan bread Stacey!
Kellie
Soooo easy and delicious!
Jamielyn Nye
So glad you enjoyed the artisan bread!
Michelle
Super easy with minimal work, loved it! I did find that I had to add extra flour initially and maybe could’ve added more as it was nearly impossible to handle when I turned it out. It was very sticky as the recipe said it would be, but I couldn’t really shape it at all. Could this be an elevation or humidity issue? Overall I LOVED the recipe and will 100% be making it again and sharing it with family and friends!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Hi Michelle! So glad you could make the bread work for you! Yes, humidity can affect hydration.
Amanda
My family loves this so much and it’s so easy, I’ve been making it every weekend!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
I love that your family loves it as much as we do! Thanks for the review Amanda!
Annette H
Love it! No milk. No eggs. Easy to make.
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
So glad you found the Artisan bread easy to make Annette!
Janette
That was the best bread. It was easy to make and turned out delicious!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Thanks for the review of the Artisan bread Janette!
Mary
I have never had dough that was harder to work with than this.I ended up throwing it out.
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Sorry to hear that Mary! There is a learning curve when working with any yeast dough, but if you follow the steps correctly it will turn out. Looking forward to hearing if you try again!
Mark
Made this tonight and I loved the flavor. My question is, is there a way to make the crust more tender and softer? The flavor is great! I’m trying to make it softer so I can toast it. Thank you!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
So glad you love the Artisan bread! After baking, brush with melted butter and that should soften the crust some.
Amanda
My very first homemade yeast bread and it turned out amazing! Rave reviews from my family. Will be making again soon!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
So glad you enjoyed the Artisan bread Amanda!
Natalie
Do you bake with the Dutch oven lid on?
Jamielyn Nye
Yes I like to, so it traps the steam but you don’t have to.
Caitlyn
If I’m making into 9 inch loaves do I let rise in bowl first and then add to loaf pans during rest time?
Thanks!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
This recipe has not been tested in 9 inch loaves, so I can’t say for sure or guarantee results of how that will turn out. I would try adding after shaping.
Amanda
I prefer it as 2 loaves. I let it rise in the bowl, then shape into loaves and let rise while the oven preheats. I bake them 18-20 min and brush butter on top as soon as they come out. My favorite easy to throw together bread recipe!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Thank you for sharing how you adapt it two loaves! So glad it works well for you.