No-Knead Cranberry & Herb Bread with Garlic Butter
Introduction
No-Knead Cranberry & Herb Bread with Garlic Butter is a delightful, easy-to-make bread that brings a touch of flavor to your table. With its crusty exterior and soft, flavorful interior, this bread is perfect for any occasion. It’s packed with the sweetness of cranberries and the freshness of herbs, making it a great addition to your meals.
Why Make This Recipe
Why make this recipe? First, it’s incredibly simple. You don’t need any complicated tools or techniques. Just a bowl and your hands! Second, the combination of cranberries and herbs creates a unique taste that you won’t find in store-bought bread. Plus, the homemade garlic butter takes it over the top. It’s perfect for dipping or spreading on warm slices!
How to Make No-Knead Cranberry & Herb Bread
Making No-Knead Cranberry & Herb Bread is easy and fun. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, delicious bread ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, cranberries, and herbs.
- Stir in the warm water until a shaggy dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Place a Dutch oven in the oven to heat for 30 minutes.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a ball.
- Place the dough on parchment paper, cover it, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the dough (with the parchment) to the hot Dutch oven.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
- While the bread bakes, mix the garlic, softened butter, parsley, and a pinch of salt together.
- Let the bread cool slightly, then slice and serve warm with the garlic butter.
How to Serve No-Knead Cranberry & Herb Bread
This bread is best served warm. Slice it up and spread a generous layer of garlic butter on each piece. It pairs wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a side for any meal. You can also enjoy it on its own for a tasty snack!
How to Store No-Knead Cranberry & Herb Bread
To store your bread, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just slice it first, wrap it well, and it should last for up to a month in the freezer.
Tips to Make No-Knead Cranberry & Herb Bread
- Make sure your water is warm, but not hot. It should feel comfortable to the touch.
- You can experiment with different herbs, like basil or oregano, to change up the flavor.
- If you have any nuts or seeds, feel free to add them to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Variation
For a twist, try adding some chopped nuts or cheese to the dough. A handful of walnuts or crumbled feta cheese can provide a delightful contrast to the sweet cranberries.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
No, fresh cranberries are too tart and will not provide the same sweetness that dried cranberries do in this recipe.
2. How can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?
You can use a baking stone or a baking sheet instead. Just make sure to create steam in the oven by placing a dish of water at the bottom while it bakes.
3. Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check for a blend that works well with yeast.
