Barley Free Classic No-Knead Bread
There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a crackling, mahogany-crusted loaf out of a Dutch oven, especially when the whole process required nothing more than a bowl, a spoon, and a little patience. This recipe relies on just four ingredients — all-purpose flour, instant yeast, kosher salt, and water — making it naturally free of barley and any of the hidden grain derivatives that can sneak into commercial breads. The long, slow rise does all the heavy lifting, developing a complex, slightly tangy flavor and an open, chewy crumb without a single minute of kneading. Baking it covered in a preheated Dutch oven traps steam and mimics a professional bread oven, which is exactly what gives the crust that dramatic, bakery-worthy color and crunch. Because you control every ingredient from start to finish, there is no guesswork about what went into the dough — just clean, simple bread you made yourself. Let it cool fully before slicing so the interior sets properly, and then get ready for it to disappear fast.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ¼ tsp instant yeast
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 ½ cups water, room temperature
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, and kosher salt. Add the water and stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until no dry flour remains and a shaggy, sticky dough forms — about 1 minute. The dough will look rough and wet; that is correct.
- 2
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, until the surface is dotted with bubbles and the dough has roughly doubled in size.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!