No-Knead Cranberry & Herb Bread with Garlic Butter
No-Knead Cranberry & Herb Bread with Garlic Butter is a delicious and easy bread recipe you can make at home. It combines the tartness of dried cranberries with fragrant herbs, creating a delightful loaf perfect for any meal or gathering.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this bread because it is simple and requires no kneading! It also fills your kitchen with a warm and inviting aroma. Plus, the addition of garlic butter makes it even more irresistible. This bread will impress your family and friends while being incredibly easy to prepare.
How to Make No-Knead Cranberry & Herb Bread
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, yeast, cranberries, rosemary, and thyme.
- Add warm water and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours, until bubbly and doubled in size.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a ball.
- Let it rest for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 230°C (450°F) with a Dutch oven inside.
- Carefully place the dough into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until golden and crusty.
- Meanwhile, mix garlic butter ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Serve the warm bread with the garlic butter on the side.
How to Serve No-Knead Cranberry & Herb Bread
You can serve this bread warm right out of the oven or at room temperature. Pair it with the garlic butter for a rich flavor. It makes a great side for soups, salads, or even as a snack on its own.
How to Store No-Knead Cranberry & Herb Bread
If you have leftover bread, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it! Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make No-Knead Cranberry & Herb Bread
- Make sure to use warm water, but not boiling, as this will help the yeast activate properly.
- Allowing the dough to rise overnight enhances the flavor.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs work just fine!
- Experiment with different dried fruits or nuts if you like.
Variation
Feel free to add different herbs like sage or oregano, or swap cranberries for other dried fruits like figs or apricots. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top before baking for a cheesy twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
2. How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread should be golden brown and crusty on the outside. You can tap the bottom and listen for a hollow sound, which indicates it’s baked through.
3. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and bake it the next day. Just remember to allow proper rising time.
Enjoy making this delightful No-Knead Cranberry & Herb Bread with Garlic Butter! It’s simple, flavorful, and sure to impress.