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Every home cook has that one recipe they didn’t see coming—the one that appeared on a whim, took only a handful of ingredients, and somehow managed to steal the spotlight from everything else they’ve made. For me, it was this no-yeast herb bread.
It started with a craving for something warm, buttery, and bread-like on a quiet Sunday afternoon. I had no yeast in the pantry, no intention of waiting hours for dough to rise, and very little patience. But I had flour, butter, water, and a bundle of fresh herbs that needed using up. I remembered a simple flatbread-style recipe I’d seen shared online, tweaked it with what I had, and hoped for the best.
What came out of the oven 35 minutes later stopped me in my tracks.
The crust was golden, the inside pillowy and soft, and the aroma of butter and fresh dill made my kitchen smell like a bakery tucked into a garden. I tore off a piece, dipped it in olive oil and sea salt, and immediately knew: this bread was a keeper. That’s when it earned its unofficial title in my house: “The Bread That’s Driving the World Crazy.” No yeast, no waiting, and no one could stop eating it.
Why Everyone’s Obsessed With This No-Yeast Bread
There’s a reason this bread is going viral—not just in social feeds, but in real-life kitchens. It checks all the boxes: easy, fast, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this recipe such a game-changer.
1. No Yeast, No Problem
Yeast is often a barrier for new bakers. It requires precision, patience, and warm environments. This bread skips the yeast entirely but still delivers a soft, chewy interior thanks to clever hydration and the richness of butter and oil.
2. Ready in Under an Hour
From mixing the dough to slicing your first warm piece, this recipe comes together fast. You don’t need to proof the dough or wait for it to double in size. The only resting time is 20–30 minutes—just enough for the flour to relax and the herbs to infuse.
3. Uses Pantry Staples
You’re likely to have most of the ingredients on hand already. There’s no need for special tools or obscure ingredients—just a bowl, a spoon, and a little faith.
4. Infused with Real Flavor
What sets this bread apart is the flavor. Fresh herbs like dill and parsley bring brightness, while melted butter gives it a rich, satisfying taste that stands on its own—no need for additional toppings (though you won’t regret adding some).
5. Versatile for Any Meal
This bread works as a side, snack, sandwich base, or dipping vehicle. Serve it warm with soup, slice it for breakfast toast, or use it as a rustic flatbread with Mediterranean spreads.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
All-purpose flour | 700 g (25 oz), sifted |
Warm water | 500 ml (2 cups) |
Salt | 8 g (1½ tsp) |
Sugar | 5 g (1 tsp) |
Butter (melted) | 150 g (5 oz) |
Vegetable oil | 45 ml (3 tbsp) |
Fresh dill & parsley | 50 g (2 oz), finely chopped |
Directions
- Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together warm water, salt, sugar, melted butter, and vegetable oil. Gradually add sifted flour, mixing continuously until a soft dough forms. - Incorporate the Herbs
Fold in the finely chopped dill and parsley. Knead the dough briefly (3–5 minutes) until smooth and elastic. It should be soft but not sticky. Add a bit more flour if needed. - Rest and Shape
Cover the dough with a towel and let it rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes (this helps the gluten relax, even without yeast). Divide and shape into round loaves, rolls, or a single large flatbread. - Bake to Perfection
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally, brush the top with a little extra melted butter or oil. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden and crisp on the outside. - Cool & Serve
Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter, dips, soup, or use as sandwich bread.
Nutritional (Per Serving – based on 10 slices)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~220 kcal |
Carbohydrates | ~30 g |
Protein | ~4 g |
Fat | ~10 g |
Fiber | ~1 g |
Sodium | ~280 mg |
When to Make This Bread
This isn’t a once-in-a-while, special occasion recipe. It’s an everyday kind of bread—the one you can turn to when you’re out of store-bought loaves or just need something comforting and homemade.
Weeknight Wonder
Whip it up alongside pasta or roasted vegetables for a warm, homemade touch.
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Weekend Brunch Staple
Slice and top with cream cheese, avocado, or poached eggs.
Holiday Table Hero
Rustic enough to serve with soup and salad, but pretty enough to place on a festive table.
Emergency Bread Backup
No yeast? No problem. You can make this any time, even in a pinch.
Expert Tips for Bread Success
Even though this bread is practically foolproof, a few smart moves can elevate your results:
Sift the Flour
Sifting ensures your flour is light and lump-free, which gives you a better texture and helps avoid a dense loaf.
Use Warm Water, Not Hot
Lukewarm water helps hydrate the dough properly. Too hot, and it can cook the flour or melt the butter too quickly.
Resting Time Matters
While this is a no-yeast bread, letting the dough rest for 20–30 minutes helps develop flavor and a tender crumb.
Adjust the Herbs to Taste
Dill and parsley are fresh and vibrant, but you can swap in rosemary, thyme, or chives depending on what you have or prefer.
Butter Before and After Baking
Brushing the top with butter before baking adds a gorgeous golden hue. Brushing it again right out of the oven adds shine and flavor.
Tasty Variations to Try
This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Once you’ve mastered the base, try these flavor twists:
Cheese-Loaded Version
Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or feta to the dough for a cheesy pull-apart texture.
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Garlic & Herb Upgrade
Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the dough or butter for a punchier flavor.
Spicy Flatbread
Mix in red pepper flakes, chili powder, or za’atar for a spicy or earthy variation.
Sweet Herb Bread
Skip the salt and herbs, and add honey, cinnamon, or cardamom to the dough for a lightly sweet breakfast version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread without herbs?
Absolutely. The herbs add flavor and color, but the bread is still delicious as a plain butter loaf.
Is this bread crispy or soft?
It’s both! The crust bakes up golden and crisp, while the inside stays soft and fluffy.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute up to half the flour with whole wheat. The texture will be slightly denser but still tasty.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to monitor the texture of the dough and add more flour if it’s too sticky.
Can I store the leftovers?
Yes. Store wrapped in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to a month.
Can I make the dough in advance?
You can mix and shape the dough, then refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Let it come back to room temperature before putting it in the oven.
Can I cook it in a skillet instead of baking?
Yes! Form the dough into smaller flat rounds and cook over medium heat in a covered, greased skillet until golden on both sides.
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From Viral Trend to Kitchen Essential
What started as a spur-of-the-moment experiment has turned into a household favorite. And judging by the response online—and in kitchens around the world—it’s not just my home that’s hooked on this bread.
It’s not the flashiest, most technical recipe. It doesn’t have artisan-style air bubbles or sourdough tang. But it has something arguably better: consistency, flavor, and heart.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this no-yeast herb bread is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a culinary genius with very little effort. And sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of recipe we need.
Final Thoughts: The Bread That Brings People Together
In a time when we’re constantly told to slow down, to simplify, to savor — this bread quietly delivers on all three.
It brings warmth to your kitchen. It fills the air with real, fresh aromas. It doesn’t require you to wait for yeast to rise or to knead for 20 minutes. It just shows up, does its job, and makes people happy.
So the next time you find yourself wondering what to bake — whether you’re out of bread, craving something homemade, or just looking for a small victory in the kitchen — remember this recipe. It may just drive you a little crazy too… in the best way.
PrintFamous Bread That Is Driving the World Crazy: No Yeast, No Fuss, All Flavor
This no-yeast herb bread is soft, golden, and packed with fresh flavor — all without any rising time. Made with everyday pantry ingredients and finished with dill, parsley, and butter, it’s the perfect quick bread for soups, spreads, or as a standalone snack. No yeast? No problem. Anyone can make this delicious, rustic loaf in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 slices 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
- 700 g (25 oz) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 500 ml (2 cups) warm water
- 8 g (1 ½ teaspoons) salt
- 5 g (1 teaspoon) sugar
- 150 g (5 oz) butter, melted
- 45 ml (3 tablespoons) vegetable oil
- 50 g (2 oz) fresh dill and parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, salt, sugar, melted butter, and vegetable oil. Stir well.
- Gradually add sifted flour to the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in finely chopped dill and parsley. Knead gently for 3–5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover and let the dough rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Shape the dough into loaves or rolls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Optionally brush the top with extra melted butter or oil.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can swap dill and parsley for other fresh herbs like rosemary, chives, or thyme.
- For a cheesy version, fold in ½ cup grated cheese before baking.
- The bread stores well at room temperature for up to 2 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
- Great as sandwich bread, soup accompaniment, or with garlic butter.