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No-Knead French Bread Recipe

By John Mitzewich, About.com

No-Knead French Bread Recipe

Photo (c) John Mitzewich
If you've never tried a no-knead bread recipe before, this is a great one to start with. It does have to rise overnight, but the crusty French-style bread is so good, it's worth the wait! You'll be surprised how simple this bread recipe really is.

Makes 1 Loaf of "No Knead" French-Style Bread

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cup tepid water plus 1 tablespoon
  • 1/4 tsp dry active yeast
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • cornmeal as needed

Preparation:

Add the water, yeast, salt, and flour into a mixing bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir well to form a wet, very sticky dough. Do not try to knead with your hands, as it is too sticky to handle. Once mixed, cover the bowl with a towel, and leave out at room temperature for 12 to 16 hours.

Flour a work surface well; using a spatula scrape the bubbly dough on to the flour. Flour your hands and pat down into a square shape. Fold each corner to the center, and flip the dough over so the folds are facing down. Shape into a round loaf. Generously sprinkle cornmeal on a baking sheet about twice the size of the loaf. The dough may stick unless you put a good amount on the pan. Transfer loaf to the pan, folds facing down. Sprinkle the top with flour.

Place a clean, dry, floured towel over the loaf, and allow to rise for 1 1/2 hours in a warm spot. Place a pie pan half-filled with water at the bottom of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees F. Remove the towel, and make a 1/2-inch deep incision across the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Bake on the middle rack for 50 - 55 minutes. Allow to cool on a rack before slicing.
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