2-Hour Fastest No Knead Bread
This recipe uses MORE YEAST than my Faster No Knead Bread. The rest of the ingredients are the same. Be sure to aerate (not sift) your flour before measuring. PLEASE SEE MY METRIC CHART ABOUT THE FLOUR. - Jenny Jones
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Makes: One loaf
Ingredients:
- 3 cups (360-390g /12 3/4 ounces) bread flour or all purpose flour (AERATE FLOUR BEFORE MEASURING - See How)
- 2 TEASPOONS instant or RapidRise yeast (1 packet/7 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups hot water (up to 130° F)
- (about 2 Tablespoons extra flour for shaping)
Instructions:
- Combine flour, 2 teaspoons yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in water until it’s well combined.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
- After 40 minutes, place a 3 to 6-quart Dutch oven with lid in a cold oven and preheat to 450° F.
- After the dough has rested for the hour, place it on a well-floured surface and sprinkle with a little flour. Using a scraper fold dough over 10-12 times & shape into a rough ball.
- Place in a parchment paper-lined bowl (not wax paper) and cover with a towel or another bowl. Let stand on counter top for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, carefully, using oven gloves, lift the parchment paper with the dough and transfer gently into the hot pot. (the dough sits inside a parchment "basket" inside the pot). Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove lid and parchment paper. Return, uncovered, to oven and bake 10 - 15 more minutes. Let it cool at least 15 minutes before slicing.
METRIC: The standard for weighing flour is 1 cup = 120 grams. But when I weigh one cup I get 125-130 grams. Please decide what works for you.
MAKE IT EVEN FASTER! See how to make it in 1 3/4 hours in my blog. Click here.
No Dutch Oven? Didn't Turn Out? Other Questions? Click here.
Why does this recipe say 2 tsp yeast, but the YouTube video says 1/4 tsp yeast??
They are two different recipes: “Faster” and “2-Hour.”
I’m a novice baker and this was my first attempt at making bread.
Always comes out great.
Could I substitute rye flour for a quick no knead rye bread?
I suggest trying my rye version: https://www.jennycancook.com/recipes/no-knead-rye-bread/
Love the shortened bread recipe time however mine never rises to even close to double.
I use hot tap water probably 140 degrees? Not sure what I’m doing wrong.
Bronco, your water is too hot. Should be about 110-120 with a max of 130.
I’m confused as to how long the empty dutch oven (or casserole dish) stays in the oven before dropping the parchment “bowl” w the dough in it?
35 minutes.
After the dough ,covered with plastic,was very stickers had to use almost3/4c.of flout to form dough to put on parchxment into the pot.Why it was so sticky?
Please see the FAQs.
My loaf came out dense and I followed it exactly, would like to know what I did wrong.
Please see the FAQs.
Why did the top and bottom turn out kinda hard ?
Jenny has some FAQ’s and blogs that provide some input on problems you may come across with baking this bread. For me, it came out with a super hard crust because my oven was too hot (which is an issue since ovens each heat differently). I solved the problem by decreasing the bake time after I take the lid off the Dutch oven. Instead of letting it bake 10-15 minutes with the lid removed, I only let it bake 5-7 minutes. One suggestion Jenny has is lowering the bake temp to 425 instead of 450, which I’ll try next time. So far, shortening the bake time while it’s uncovered has worked for me.
Ok, I just baked it at 425 covered for 30 mins, uncovered for 9-10 mins and I didn’t get the super hard crust!
Hi Jenny,
I make your Dutch oven 2 hour bread at least 2x per week. Love it!
QUESTION: What is the best way to REHEAT it when FROZEN? TEMPERATURE and TIME please.
Thank you.
Alexis from NJ
This is my second time baking this bread. I am having a hard time with it being ‘gummy’ with no air holes. Advice?
You might find a solution in the FAQs.
https://www.jennycancook.com/no-knead-bread-solutions/
Hi Jenny, I have been making this bread for a few years now. I was wondering if I could put it into loaf pans to bake? Thanks!
I’ve just made this bread today as a comfort to my teenage son who’s home sick today. Every time I make it I wonder why I don’t make it more often. I bake and cook everything. This is my go-to recipe because it is always a success. I use King Arthur bread flour two parts and one part King Arthur whole wheat flour. But that’s not why I’m here in this post. I was just reading through the About Me section of this web page,..Jenny Cooks, This brilliant author is the fabulous Jenny Jones! I have your rice pudding recipe that I’ve been using for 25 years. It was published on a recipe card that I acquired in my time living in Toronto Canada in the 90s….you wtite at the end of it that you just need a spoon and some fuzzy slippers. I loved your talk show. I am so excited to try more of your recipes! This made my day! Thank you so much.
I made this bread with the following modifications:
2 cups bread flour, 1 cup all purpose flour
Used a proofing oven, 100 degrees, 1 hour
Returned bread to proofing oven for 15 minutes after 1 hour and shaping
Bread turned out amazing!…question: The bread was done and brown after 30 minutes in cast iron pot with lid. Should the 450 degrees be reduced and then cover removed?
At this point, attempting second loaf, same process. I don’t want to mess with success.
Why do people alter recipes and then demand to know how it should be dealt with once they have made their changes?
Jenny, I entered a loaf of this bread in my county fair. I won 1st place in the white bread category. I’ve been making your no-knead bread for years and thought, “Why not?” We all love it, maybe it’ll get a good showing. We knew it was a winner at our house, now it’s confirmed. Thank you!
That’s so exciting to hear! Thank you for sharing this and congratulations.🏆
First try hope it comes out well
Hi Jenny,
Been using many of your recipes since Covid. All wonderful. Thank you!
QUESTION: I just doubled the recipe. Do I need to bake a longer time?
Thank you.
Alexis from NJ
Wondering the same thing. What did you end up doing?
Hey so I was curious about this too and found the following:
1 lb loaves: ~30–35 minutes to bake
2 lb loaves: ~45–50 minutes to bake
3 lb loaves: ~1hr to bake
So if you have a handy-dandy kitchen scale, you can see how much your dough weighs and do the math from there. I believe this recipe makes about a 1.6lb loaf. However, bear in mind that this is based on a boule shape to ensure the very middle bakes enough, so if you are instead baking a baguette shaped loaf, you may not need to add much more time at all.
Thank you for creating this recipe. The bread comes out awesome every time and everyone loves it. Honestly so easy and so good!
I just need you to know that I’m so appreciative for this recipe! I have used it countless times and it always turns out amazing!
Thank you. I’m happy to hear it.
Love your recipe, so fast and great tasting.
I thought bread was laborious to achieve this type if result, just sad it took me so long to discover that it doesn’t need to be.
I was wondering if you can score the top of this type of dough before baking?
Thank you
Hi Jenny,
Love your stuff! I want to comment on the water temperature necessary for instant yeast. Isn’t 130 a little bit too hot?
Thanks.
A fellow Jonesy
Please see the FAQs.
Fabulous recipe but now my husband wants this all the time LOL.
Is it possible to add pecans or walnuts along with dried cranberries or dried cherries? If so when should I add and how much of each.
Thanks so very much!
Please see my other variations.
I’ve been using your recipe for some time, my family thinks it’s the best bread they’ve ever eaten. Thank you for making me look like a rock star when baking bread😘. Seriously it’s so quick and easy and turns out perfect every time. I actually have some in the oven right now. Can’t wait to get it out of the oven, slather it with butter and enjoy.
How to I modify to put it in the oven? I don’t have a Dutch Oven.
Please see the FAQs.
Not sure if you know this or not, but a Dutch oven is a type of pot with a lid, not an actual oven. I hope this helps you.
I don’t know what I’m doing wrong?!?!?
I’ve used this bread recipe twice with bread flour, no issues, it was wonderful!!!
I am using all purpose flour this time, and I’m ending up with a batter instead of a formed dough!!! What am I doing wrong????
Just add more flour or less water until you get the consistency desired.
This is my go-to dutch oven loaf recipe!! So delightfully crisp on the outside and bouncy on the inside.
I love this recipe and share it often! Being able to whip up delicious bread so easily and quickly has brightened my busy days immensely. 10/10!
Love this recipe, but for some reason the paper gets stuck to the bottom of the bread. What can I do? Please help. Thank you.
Assuming you’re not using wax paper, which would melt onto your food, then it’s probably inferior parchment paper. Try Reynolds brand – it won’t stick.
Make this often. Always a hit. Out of parchment paper. Can I make it without? Thanks.
Apply some flour to paper before the bread placed onto . Enjoy !
Hi Jenny, how can I incorporate EVOO, basil or garlic.?
Thank you.
Can you somehow adapt it to make cinnamon rolls? Or do you have a recipe for those?
I do have a recipe for cinnamon rolls here.
I made the recipe but I divided it and made two small loaves. I am giving one to my best friend and share the remaining loaf with my neighbor. I can’t wait to try it 😂
I baked this bread last evening and it was gone before we went to bed. So one more loaf is rising now.
This is the best and easiest bread I have ever made. Five stars, Jenny!
When I make this for a single person or a couple, I split the recipe in half (I am usually taking them soup or something else with it). I bake it at the same temperature but for 15 minutes covered and then 10 minutes uncovered. It comes out perfectly, and they always comment how much they love it! Thanks, Jenny!
This bread comes out amazing every time I make a loaf weekly with this recipe. Today I made 2 so I could gift one to my neighbor. Thank you
Can you add dried fruit or nuts to this recipe?
I add dried cranberries and walnuts and some honey. It’s a hit.
I have a standing order from my mother in law every 4 weeks! It’s our favourite bread! Thank you for the recipe! 😁❤️
Is it the Dutch oven treatment that makes the crust so crunchy? Will this method work for a loaf of sourdough also ( hubby wants to know).
Yes, it works great with sourdough bread. I bake all my breads in the durch oven
Can you double the recipe?
I double the recipe all the time. No problems.
1st & foremost, this bread is outstanding! Thank you! I like that when I get home from work I can whip up a batch of homemade soup and at the same time I can make this fabulous loaf of crusty bread to have with it! Recipe is laminated and on my fridge!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! It’s perfect every time 🙂
If you add rosemary, when would you add it?
Do you brush the top with anything before baking?
TY
Kay, you’d add the rosemary to the dry ingredients and no you don’t brush the top with anything. I tried to reply to you earlier but it came up as a comment I think. lol. Idk how this stuff works because I never answer questions. Hope your bread comes out great. ❤️
Brenda from Connecticut.
I would add the rosemary when you are mixing the dough.
If you want to brush the top of the loaf do it after removing the loaf from the dutch oven. Don’t get burned 🤕
I was really tired and wanted to make this tonight. I did steps 1 and 2, then after the hour, I dumped it into a 4×9 pan and baked with salt, pepper, and herbs on top. Baked for 45 minutes with aluminum foil on it until the last 20 minutes. Very good bread and seems like it’s pretty flexible!
I used bread flour and the dough did not rise. I tried to fix it by looking up rising fixes and it didn’t work.
Please see the FAQs.
I expect it was the yeast being dead (outdated) or your water too hot.
Try again. I’ve made this recipe many times with no failure and my family loves it. Sometimes I add cheese or olives and it’s great! Good luck!
Is 130 too hot water for yeast? That seems high. I usually do 110 at most.
Today’s yeast is more sturdy and accommodating than years ago and can tolerate water or liquid up to 130 degrees F. The killing point for yeast is 140 degrees F.
Hey,
Just to correct you here coming from another long-time baker. The ideal temperature is 115F, not 130F. You’re correct in that 140F will kill all of the yeast, but once even reaching 120F will slowly start to kill them off. The only reason hotter water is required is to dissolve the outer shell. Yeast actually multiplies best at 95F, but due to the preservation it requires warmer temperatures to first become active (warmer water being 115F, not 130F which will cause some of the yeast to start dying).
Hope this helps with any future baking! Enjoy your day.
Thank you for this info! Saving it until I memorize it! lol
First time making bread myself and it turned out great! My whole family loved it. I will definitely be making this often!
This recipe is my go to for sure !! All other recipes take 24 hours ..this one I. Only 2 and it’s easy and delicious!! I tell all my friends about this recipe
Thank you Claudette for sending me the link to the recipe. My first time baking bread and I think it came out great!!
Dear Jenny, thank you for this wonderful recipe. Your’s is the best of all no-knead recipes I’ve tried. The flavor, the ease and speed, the gorgeous texture and aroma… I make this several times a week for our family and to share.
All the Best!
Rachel
I’ve made this recipe many times and it is always delicious. Very easy and quick. I like to change it up. I made it today and added sesame seeds – delicious 😋.
This is fabulous bread. Can you make the dough ahead of time and bake it the next day?
You can see how to do the overnight version with this recipe (note at the top):
https://www.jennycancook.com/recipes/faster-no-knead-bread/
I have read that preheating empty Dutch ovens is bad for them. Have you had any issues?
That means not to preheat on the stove top, directly on a burner.
Worked out great. I left it for three hours to proof and I had added oregano and rosemary. Absolutely great bread Thank you for this quick recipe
I used 1/4c honey and cut the water to 1&1/4c water
Turned out fabulous
I also use this recipe for pizza dough!
Hi Sunny.
When using for pizza dough, do you use Jenny’s original recipe?
It appears I might be the only person who had issues with this recipe. I followed the recipe exactly….and it was extremely wet. I also remembered to aerate my flour. I had to add close to a other cup of flour to get it to form some semblance of a ball…or at least to bring the ingredients together, otherwise it was as wet as a cake batter.
What exactly went wrong here?
If you sifted the flour before measuring, that would cause a wet dough. Sifting is not the same as aerating. That’s all I can think of.
https://www.jennycancook.com/how-to-aerate-flour/
i added jalapenos to this recipe. my friends dont like cheese . came out perfect
Exact issue. Added some flour to get to appropriate consistency. I’m sure it’s my fault for not aerating
Without aerating I use a scale. Three cups of Flour would be 360 Grams.
I had never made bread before Covid hit (when any kind of yeast and flour were in short supply, as it seems many people were baking bread at that time, too). I’ve made this recipe dozens of times and it ALWAYS is successful and delicious. I’ve added herbs, or olives, or roasted garlic or all three to the dough and it bakes wonderfully. I love that I can space out, until that “uh oh, I need bread to go with the soup” moment, and it comes together so fast and easy. Thank you so much for banishing my bread making fears forever!
This recipe is so awesome. Because I find the 2 hour bread not to be as flavorful as the 4 hour bread recipe, when I make this I often add flavoring and make it into a cheese bread. The following is what I changed thanks to ideas from other commenters that I followed.
I don’t put in the 1 tsp salt per recipe. Instead I mix with the 3 cups flour and 2 tsp yeast, 2 TBS Montreal Steak Seasoning, 1 tsp fine garlic granules and 1/2 tsp garlic salt. In addition I add 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese and 1-2 tsp Italian Seasoning.
Then after mixing all above with a pair of chopsticks (I cook with chopsticks all the time) I add the 1.5 cups hot water (120 degrees or so) and mix until no dry flour shows up as the recipe says. I weigh my flour to 380 grams and find I often have to add an additional tablespoon water but it may be because I have all the additions in there.
Enjoy this recipe, it’s such a fun one to play with. Thank you Jenny, it’s so fun to see you on YouTube after seeing you on TV back in the day!
Sorry, wanted to make a correction to my comment above. Only put in a sprinkle of garlic salt. Two TBS Montreal Steak Seasoning and a tiny sprinkle of garlic salt is plenty for the recipe. Don’t put half a tsp of garlic salt in addition to the Montreal Steak Seasoning, that was a typo and would cause your bread to be too salty and may even inhibit rising. Anyway, I just made a loaf of cheese bread doing what I said and it is delicious with crunchy cheesy top and tender cheesy loaf inside. Yum!
Miss your videos, anything coming up
Hi Jenny! How can I bake this bread in a loaf pan?
Let ve your recipes 💕
Yes you can make this bread in loaf pans…just put a pan of hot water below the loaves to add steam which makes a crispy crust. Two smaller loaves may require less time in the oven at 450 degrees.
Can you double the recipe?
I double the recipe and bake two loaves. They fit just right in my large Dutch oven.
Are there any adjustments that need to be made for high altitude? Thanks!
Jenny Jenny Jenny…..this bread recipe is absolutely perfect and comes and just right every time! So simple to make and so yummy to eat. Many thanks for sharing your time and talents.
All The Best,
LuAnn in Western Oregon
Hi made this bread for the first time very easy to make, but unfortunately it has a very crusty top and very hard on the bottom. Had to to cut the top and bottom off as it was far to hard to eat, can you help me as I would like to make it again. 🇨🇦
Reduce heat to 400. Bake to final internal temperature of 205f. After the bread cools put in a paper or plastic bag and it will soften overnight