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There are certain days that seem to blur together—grocery bags in one hand, emails piling up, dinner half-planned. It was on one of those days that I realized I’d forgotten the bread. Again.
Too tired to head back out, too uninspired to start a complicated recipe, I opened my pantry hoping for a miracle. And there they were: water, flour, yeast, olive oil, salt, sugar. The usual suspects.
I remembered reading about a no-knead bread recipe that required nothing more than stirring and resting. I gave it a shot, unsure of what to expect. To my surprise, the dough came together effortlessly. It rose beautifully. It baked into something that looked—and smelled—like real bread. But the true magic happened when I sliced into it.
It was soft. Light. Warm. Slightly chewy with a golden crust. I slathered it with olive oil, handed a piece to my child, and we both looked at each other in disbelief.
Since that day, I haven’t bought bread.
The Easiest Bread You’ll Ever Make
This recipe isn’t revolutionary—it’s restorative. It reminds you that bread doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need eggs. You don’t need butter. You don’t even need to knead. All you need is a bowl, a spoon, and about an hour of rise time.
It’s a reminder that cooking can be gentle, forgiving, and wildly satisfying. It’s bread for people who think they’re too busy, too tired, or too intimidated to bake.
And it’s become one of the most reliable, affordable, and beloved recipes in my home.
What Makes This Bread Special?
1. No Kneading, No Problem
Traditional bread recipes rely on kneading to build gluten and give the bread structure. This dough, however, is soft and sticky enough that time does the work for you. As it rests, gluten strands form naturally, developing texture without any effort on your part.
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The result? A surprisingly airy, tender crumb that rivals any bakery loaf—with none of the elbow grease.
2. No Eggs or Butter
This bread is naturally vegan and completely dairy-free. It gets its moisture and richness from olive oil, which not only keeps the loaf soft but also infuses it with a subtle depth of flavor.
Without eggs or butter, the recipe becomes both accessible and incredibly cost-effective—perfect for anyone on a budget, dealing with allergies, or simply aiming to simplify their pantry staples.
3. Pantry-Only Ingredients
There are no specialty flours or additives here. This is everyday bread made with everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that always feels close at hand, like a quiet comfort waiting on the shelf.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 200 ml (0.85 cup) | Lukewarm, helps activate yeast |
| Sugar | 25 g (2 tbsp) | Feeds the yeast, adds subtle flavor |
| Yeast | 3 g (1 tsp) | Instant or active dry |
| Bread/Wheat flour | 300 g (2 cups) | Preferably bread or all-purpose |
| Salt | 3 g (1/2 tsp) | Balances flavor |
| Olive oil | 20 g (2 tbsp) | Adds moisture and depth |
Directions
- Mix the Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until bubbles form. - Add Dry Ingredients
Add flour and salt into the mixture. Stir until a sticky, shaggy dough forms. No kneading required. - Add Olive Oil
Pour in the olive oil and mix it through the dough. Cover the bowl with a cloth or plastic wrap. - Let It Rise
Let the dough rest at room temperature for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. - Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a small loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. - Transfer & Rest Again
Gently transfer the dough to the prepared pan. Let it rest uncovered for 10–15 minutes while the oven finishes heating. - Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown on top and hollow-sounding when tapped. - Cool & Serve
Let the bread cool on a rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approx. 1 of 10)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Sugars | 2.5 g |
| Fat | 3.5 g |
| Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
A Reliable Recipe for Real Life
The best thing about this bread is how seamlessly it fits into daily routines. You don’t have to schedule your day around it. You don’t even need much space. Just mix, rest, and bake.
It’s the perfect loaf to make when you’re multitasking—checking emails, folding laundry, helping with homework. It doesn’t demand your full attention, but it rewards you with something wholesome and grounding at the end.
It’s also versatile. You can eat it fresh, toast it for breakfast, use it for sandwiches, or tear it apart for dipping into soup or olive oil. Once you get the hang of the base dough, you can build on it with herbs, seeds, or spices for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this bread once it’s cooled and sliced:
- Toasted with olive oil and garlic for a quick bruschetta base
- Topped with mashed avocado or hummus for a hearty plant-based snack
- Dipped into lentil soup, tomato stew, or a bowl of spiced chickpeas
- Grilled with cheese and tomato for a minimalist grilled sandwich
- Torn into pieces and used for a rustic bread salad or stuffing
Because the loaf is so neutral and flexible, it can swing savory or sweet with ease. Spread it with peanut butter and honey or a thick slice of feta with a drizzle of lemon. It’s your canvas.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is it different from other homemade bread?
Most bread recipes require either kneading or long fermentation. This one skips both. It’s made for real life—fast, forgiving, and foolproof. And without butter, eggs, or dairy, it’s lighter but still deliciously soft.
Do I need any special equipment?
Not at all. No mixer. No bread machine. Just a bowl, a spoon, a measuring cup, and an oven. You can even mix the dough with your hands if you want a more tactile experience.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can, but not as a full replacement. Try substituting up to 30% of the flour with whole wheat for added fiber and a nutty flavor. Keep the rest all-purpose or bread flour to maintain softness.
Can I add herbs, seeds, or other mix-ins?
Absolutely. This recipe is a perfect base. Add rosemary, garlic powder, or dried oregano for an herby loaf. Mix in sesame or sunflower seeds for texture. You can even fold in chopped olives or caramelized onions for something more gourmet.
How long does it last?
Stored in an airtight container or wrapped in foil, the bread stays fresh for 2–3 days at room temperature. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it (sliced or whole) for up to 2 months.
Is it suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes! This bread is:
- Vegan
- Egg-free
- Dairy-free
- Nut-free
- Budget-friendly
Just be sure to check your flour and oil for any additives if cooking for someone with severe allergies.
Can kids help make it?
They can—and they should! It’s one of the best starter recipes for kids in the kitchen. Since there’s no kneading or complex shaping, children can help stir, pour, and even transfer the dough to the pan. Watching the dough rise is also a wonderful science lesson in action.
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Can I double the recipe?
Yes. This recipe scales beautifully. Simply double all the ingredients and divide the dough between two loaf pans or bake as one large round on a baking sheet.
Why This Bread Belongs in Every Home Baker’s Repertoire
Baking bread at home can feel intimidating. So many rules. So many steps. But this recipe strips away the noise and brings you back to what matters: flour, water, yeast, salt, and time.
It’s not artisan in the way that some sourdoughs are. It’s not crusty like a French baguette. But it’s comforting, simple, and real. It’s bread that doesn’t try to impress—but somehow does anyway.
It reminds us that food can be both easy and rewarding. That there’s power in mastering something so foundational. And that, even on the busiest days, there’s time to make something beautiful from scratch.
Conclusion: A Slice of Simplicity in a Complicated World
In a world full of complexity, this recipe offers relief. It’s gentle. It’s affordable. It’s satisfying. And it proves that the best things in the kitchen are often the simplest.
This no-knead, no-egg, no-butter bread has become a staple in my home—not because it’s fancy, but because it works. Because it makes mornings feel warmer and dinners feel fuller. Because it smells like home.
And once you make it, I think you’ll feel the same.
Let it be your go-to recipe. Let it surprise you. Let it feed more than just your hunger.