5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread (No Knead) Recipe

Introduction

This 5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread is a simple no-knead recipe perfect for home bakers looking for fresh, homemade bread with minimal effort. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it’s ideal for sandwiches or enjoying with olive oil and herbs.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• ½ tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups warm water
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add the warm water and olive oil.
2. Step 2: Mix with a spatula until no dry flour remains. Using wet hands, lift one corner of the dough and fold it over itself. Rotate the bowl 45 degrees and repeat this folding process 8 times total.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot to rise for 1 hour.
4. Step 4: Generously flour a clean surface and turn the risen dough out onto it. Flour the top of the dough and cut it into 6 equal pieces using a knife or bench scraper.
5. Step 5: Transfer the pieces directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet dusted with flour.
6. Step 6: Bake in a preheated oven at 440°F (225°C) for 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crusty. Let cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of dried herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the dry ingredients before mixing.
• Use bread flour instead of all purpose flour for a chewier texture.
• If you prefer a softer crust, brush the tops with olive oil before baking.

Storage

Store the panini bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster or oven until crisp and heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you will need to dissolve active dry yeast in warm water and let it activate for about 5-10 minutes before mixing with the other ingredients.

Do I need a stand mixer to make this bread?

No, this recipe is designed to be made by hand with a spatula and wet hands, making it simple and accessible without special equipment.

5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread (No Knead) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 79 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 pieces of panini bread 1x

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Description

This 5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread recipe delivers a simple, no-knead homemade bread perfect for paninis. Made with basic pantry staples, this artisanal bread has a crunchy crust and soft interior, baked directly on a parchment-lined sheet. Ideal for sandwich lovers seeking fresh, homemade bread with minimal effort and time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 4 Cups All Purpose Flour
• 2 Tsp Instant Yeast
• ½ Tsp Sugar
• 1 Tsp Salt

Wet Ingredients

• 2 Cups Warm Water
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil

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Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar together, ensuring ingredients are well distributed.
2. Add Wet Ingredients and Combine: Pour in the warm water and olive oil to the dry mixture. Use a spatula to mix thoroughly until no dry flour remains, forming a sticky dough.
3. Fold the Dough: Using wet hands, gently lift a corner of the dough and fold it over itself. Rotate the bowl about 45 degrees and repeat this folding process 8 times to develop gluten without kneading.
4. First Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Allow the dough to rise undisturbed for 1 hour until it has noticeably expanded.
5. Divide the Dough: Generously flour a work surface. Transfer the risen dough onto it, dusting the top with flour to prevent stickiness. Using a knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 6 equal pieces.
6. Prepare for Baking: Place each dough piece directly onto a heavily floured, parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow expansion.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 440°F (227°C). Bake the bread for 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and using for paninis or sandwiches.

Notes

• Use warm water around 110°F for optimal yeast activation.
• Folding the dough replaces traditional kneading, making this recipe easy for beginners.
• Flouring the surface and dough prevents sticking and makes handling easier.
• The high baking temperature helps achieve a crisp crust and tender inside.
• Cool the bread completely to prevent sogginess when slicing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: panini bread, no knead bread, crusty bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, five ingredient bread