Description
This Overnight Bread Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy fresh, homemade bread with minimal effort. The slow fermentation process enhances flavor, creates a crispy crust, and results in a soft, airy interior. Ideal for busy schedules, simply mix the dough at night and bake it in the morning!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ½ cups (440g) bread flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) room-temperature water
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Dissolve the yeast in water, then add to the dry ingredients. Stir until combined (no kneading needed). Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Bulk Fermentation: Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours until doubled and bubbly.
- Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a surface, turn out the dough, and gently shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place in a floured proofing basket or bowl lined with a towel. Let rise for 30–60 minutes.
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it inside to heat. Transfer the dough to parchment paper, score the top, and bake for 25–30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing for the best texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, refrigerate the dough during fermentation for a cold rise.
- Add-ins like herbs, seeds, or cheese can be mixed in during the initial dough preparation.
- If your kitchen is warm, check the dough earlier to avoid over-proofing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Overnight Bread Recipe, easy bread recipe, no-knead bread, homemade bread