This no-knead garlic bread is wonderfully simple yet incredibly flavorful. With minimal effort and no kneading required, you get a golden, crusty loaf with a soft, airy interior and the irresistible aroma of garlic. It’s the kind of bread that disappears quickly once it hits the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No kneading required, making it perfect for beginners
Simple pantry ingredients with big flavor
Soft inside with a beautifully golden crust
Versatile enough for meals, soups, or sandwiches
Reliable rise and texture every time

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

500 g all-purpose flour
1 packet dry yeast (7 g)
2 teaspoons salt
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
350 ml warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, dry yeast, salt, and finely chopped garlic. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Add the warm water and olive oil to the bowl. Stir with a spoon or spatula until everything is fully combined. The dough will be sticky, which is exactly how it should be.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Lightly grease a bread mold or baking dish. Gently pour the risen dough into the mold without kneading or deflating it.
Preheat the oven to 200°C using conventional top and bottom heat.
Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before slicing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 slices
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Add dried herbs such as oregano or thyme for an herbed garlic loaf
Mix in grated cheese for a richer, savory bread
Use roasted garlic instead of raw for a milder flavor
Sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds on top before baking
Replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture

Storage/Reheating

Store the bread at room temperature in a clean cloth or airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread for up to 1 month. Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 180°C for 5–7 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?

Yes, instant yeast works well in this recipe. Use the same amount and mix it directly with the flour.

Is the dough supposed to be sticky?

Yes, the sticky texture is essential for achieving a soft and airy crumb without kneading.

Can I bake this bread without a loaf pan?

Yes, you can bake it free-form on a lightly greased baking sheet or in a round baking dish.

What type of flour works best?

All-purpose flour is ideal, but bread flour can be used for a slightly chewier texture.

Can I reduce the garlic amount?

Absolutely. Adjust the garlic to suit your taste preferences.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Can I add seeds to the dough?

Yes, seeds like sunflower or flax can be mixed into the dough before rising.

Why didn’t my bread rise properly?

This can happen if the yeast is old or the water was too hot or too cold.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight and be baked the next day.

Is this bread suitable for sandwiches?

Yes, once cooled, it slices well and makes excellent sandwiches.

Conclusion

This no-knead garlic bread proves that great homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a fragrant, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.