Overnight Bread Recipe : The Easiest No-Knead Bread You’ll Ever Make

Introduction

Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly baked bread, golden and crispy on the outside, yet soft and airy on the inside. Furthermore, the good news is that you don’t need to be a professional baker to achieve this! With this overnight bread recipe, you can prepare the dough the night before and wake up to bakery-quality bread with minimal effort.

Also, this recipe requires no kneading, just a bit of patience as the dough slowly ferments overnight, developing deep, complex flavors. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced home baker, this simple method will give you an artisan-style loaf that looks and tastes incredible. So, let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Kneading Required – Just mix and let time do the work.
Minimal Ingredients – You probably have everything in your kitchen already.
Perfect Texture – A crispy crust with a soft, airy interior.
Beginner-Friendly – No fancy techniques or equipment needed.
Versatile – Can be adapted with different flours, seeds, or herbs.
Time-Saving – Mix at night, bake in the morning.

Ingredients for Overnight Bread

To make this simple, rustic bread, you’ll need:

Basic Ingredients

3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose or bread flour
2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon active dry yeast or instant yeast
1 ½ cups (350ml) warm water

Optional Additions for Flavor

1 tablespoon honey or sugar (for a slightly sweet note)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for a softer crust)
1 teaspoon dried herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
2 tablespoons seeds (sesame, flax, or sunflower)

Necessary Tools for Making Overnight Bread

Before we begin, gather these essential tools:

Large Mixing Bowl – To mix and let the dough rise.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the ingredients.
Plastic Wrap or Kitchen Towel – To cover the dough overnight.
Dutch Oven or Baking Dish with Lid – To trap steam for a crispy crust.
Parchment Paper – Helps prevent sticking and makes transferring easy.

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

Want to customize your overnight bread? Here are some ideas:

Make it Whole Wheat – Swap 1 cup of all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour.
Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum.
Boost the Flavor – Add roasted garlic, shredded cheese, or chopped olives.
Make it Extra Crispy – Brush the top with water before baking for a shinier, crunchier crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Overnight Bread

1: Mix the Dough (5 Minutes)

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast.
Pour in the warm water and mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
If adding honey, herbs, or seeds, mix them in now.
Then, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.

2: Let it Rise Overnight (12-18 Hours)

Leave the covered dough at room temperature (65-75°F) for at least 12 hours and up to 18 hours.
Then, the dough should double in size and appear bubbly.

3: Shape the Dough (5 Minutes)

Later, lightly flour your countertop and gently turn out the dough.
Then, use your hands to shape it into a ball—do not overhandle it!
Place the dough on a floured piece of parchment paper.

4: Preheat & Prepare the Dutch Oven (30 Minutes)

Then, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place your Dutch oven inside to heat up for 30 minutes.
The hot Dutch oven creates steam, which gives the bread a crispy crust.

5: Bake the Bread (40-45 Minutes)

Carefully place the dough (with the parchment paper) inside the hot Dutch oven.
Then, cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
Let the bread cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Moreover, this homemade artisan bread has a crispy golden crust and a soft, chewy interior—made with just a few simple ingredients and no kneading required! 🍞

Pro Tips for Success

Use Fresh Yeast – Expired yeast won’t give the same rise.
Measure Flour Correctly – Use the spoon-and-level method, not a packed cup.
Room Temperature Matters – If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rise in a warm spot.
Don’t Skip Preheating – A hot oven and Dutch oven are key for the perfect crust.
Let the Bread Cool – Cutting too soon will make it gummy inside.

Serving Suggestions

This overnight bread pairs well with:

🥖 Butter & Jam – A classic breakfast option.
🍝 Pasta Dishes – Great for dipping into sauces.
🥗 Soups & Stews – Perfect for soaking up broths.
🧀 Charcuterie Boards – Serve with cheese and meats.

Storing and Reheating

Storage Tips

At Room Temperature – Store in a paper bag or bread box for up to 3 days.
Freezing – Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

Oven – Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Toaster – Perfect for crispy slices.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Calories: 160
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 1g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 0g

FAQs About Overnight Bread

1. Can I let the dough rise for more than 18 hours?

Yes, but it might become over-fermented and lose structure.

2. What if my dough is too sticky?

Dust with a little flour, but avoid adding too much—it should be slightly sticky.

3. Can I bake this bread without a Dutch oven?

Of course, use a preheated baking sheet and place a pan of hot water in the oven to create steam.

4. Why didn’t my bread rise properly?

Check if your yeast is fresh, and ensure your dough is rising in a warm place.

5. Can I make this with sourdough starter instead of yeast?

Of course, replace yeast with ½ cup of active sourdough starter and let it rise for 12-18 hours.

Conclusion

To sum up, with just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, this overnight bread recipe delivers a perfectly golden, crusty loaf with a soft, airy interior—without any kneading! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, this no-fuss method makes homemade bread easier than ever. Prepare the dough the night before, let time do the work, and wake up to bakery-quality bread right from your own oven.

Also, these sourdough quick bread recipes deliver a delicious tangy flavor with minimal effort—perfect for a no-fuss homemade treat!

So, try this recipe and enjoy the irresistible aroma of fresh bread in your kitchen! 🍞