Rustic Easy Bread Recipe for Kids: No-Knead Fun!
Baking bread can be a delightful and educational experience for kids, and this easy no-knead rustic bread recipe is the perfect way to introduce them to the world of baking. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, your kids will be able to create a delicious, crusty loaf of bread they can be proud of. So, let's roll up our sleeves, get our hands sticky, and embark on a baking adventure!
Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour (ideally organic) (360grams)
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon active yeast
Instructions:
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and active yeast. Give it a gentle stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed, and the mixture resembles a shaggy dough.
Resting Period: Pour the water into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until everything comes together. The dough will be sticky and messy, but that's all part of the fun! Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap ( or put into a bread canister) and let it sit at room temperature for 12-18 hours. You can even leave it for up to 24 hours to develop more flavor.
Preheat the Oven: When you and your kids are ready to bake the bread, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, place a 5.5 quart enameled cast iron Dutch Oven with a lid inside the oven to heat up.
Shape the Dough: On a clean and generously floured surface, turn the sticky dough out from the bowl. Use your well-floured hands to gently shape it into a ball. Don't worry about perfection; rustic and uneven shapes are part of the charm!
Bake the Bread: Carefully remove the hot Dutch Oven (or oven-safe pan) from the oven. Place the ball of dough into it and cover it with the lid. Alternatively, you can use an oven-safe bowl as a makeshift lid. Return the covered Dutch Oven to the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Uncover and Finish Baking: After 30 minutes, remove the lid to allow the crust to develop. Continue baking the bread for another 10-15 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and crusty.
Cool and Enjoy: Once the bread is baked to perfection, take it out of the Dutch Oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Encourage your kids to wait patiently before slicing into their creation. The aroma of freshly baked bread will make this waiting period even more enticing!
Congratulations! You and your kids have successfully baked a delicious rustic bread without any complicated kneading involved. Enjoy the warm, crusty slices with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings. This recipe is not just about baking bread; it's about creating lasting memories and learning together in the kitchen. Happy baking!
