Sparkling Water No-Knead Bread Recipe

This no-knead bread recipe uses the magic of sparkling water to create a soft, airy loaf with minimal effort. The self-rising flour provides the necessary leavening, so there’s no need for extra baking powder or yeast. Simply mix, rest, and bake, and you’ll have a beautiful golden loaf with a crispy crust and a tender, fluffy interior. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a fuss-free bread-making experience.

Preparation Time:

• Prep: 10 minutes
• Rest: 3-12 hours (the longer, the better)
• Bake: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes (including resting time)

Ingredients:

• 4 cups (519 g) self-rising flour
• 12 fl oz (355 ml) sparkling water

Instructions:

1. Mix the Dough:
   • In a large glass bowl, combine the self-rising flour and sparkling water. Use a spatula to mix until you get a shaggy, sticky dough. It should be wet and somewhat messy.
   • Tip: Using a glass bowl allows you to observe the dough’s consistency through the bottom as you mix.
2. Let the Dough Rest:
   • Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Let the dough rest at room temperature for at least 3 hours, but ideally between 3 and 12 hours. The longer it rests, the better the flavor. The dough will rise and feel wetter, and you’ll notice large bubbles at the bottom when you peek through the glass.
3. Preheat the Oven and Dutch Oven:
   • About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a large Dutch oven (at least 4.3 quarts) with the lid on inside the oven to preheat as well. This will ensure even heat and a crispy crust.
4. Stretch and Fold the Dough:
   • After the dough has rested, wet your hands slightly. Stretch one side of the dough upwards and fold it over the center. Repeat this folding process with each of the eight sides. This step helps to develop the dough’s structure and improve its texture.
5. Shape the Dough:
   • Lightly dust a clean work surface with self-rising flour. Turn the dough out onto the surface, seam side down. Gently rotate and drag the dough towards yourself using a bench scraper or floured hands to form a round, smooth ball.
6. Prepare for Baking:
   • Transfer the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Optionally, you can snip the top of the dough with scissors to create a larger split during baking, but the edges may brown more. Even without snipping, natural cracks will form as the bread bakes.
7. Bake the Bread:
   • Carefully place the parchment paper with the dough into the preheated Dutch oven (after removing the hot lid). Cover with the lid and bake for 35 minutes. The steam inside the Dutch oven helps form a beautiful, golden crust.
8. Golden Brown Perfection:
   • After 35 minutes, remove the lid and continue baking the bread for another 20-25 minutes until the bread is golden brown, and the crust is crisp.
9. Cool and Serve:
   • Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.

Serving Suggestions:

• Slice and serve with a generous spread of butter and jam for a delicious breakfast.
• Pair with your favorite soup or stew for a comforting meal.
• Make a simple sandwich with cheese, ham, or fresh vegetables.
• Serve as a side with salads, roasted meats, or dips.
• Try it toasted with avocado and a sprinkle of salt for a quick snack.

Cooking Tips:

• The longer the dough rests, the richer the flavor, so plan ahead if you want a more complex taste.
• If you prefer a softer crust, cover the Dutch oven during the last few minutes of baking to retain moisture.
• Use parchment paper to make transferring the dough easier and to avoid sticking.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Self-rising flour: Contains a small amount of protein and carbohydrates, providing essential energy.
• Sparkling water: Adds a bit of effervescence and helps create air pockets for a lighter loaf.
• No additional fats or sugars are needed, making this a simple and relatively healthy bread option.

Dietary Information:

• Gluten-Free: Not suitable unless using gluten-free self-rising flour.
• Vegan: Yes, the recipe does not contain any animal products.
• Low Sugar: This recipe contains no added sugars, making it a great option for those watching their sugar intake.

Nutritional Facts (per slice, assuming 10 slices per loaf):

• Calories: ~120
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Sugar: 0g

Storage:

• Store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will keep at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• To prolong freshness, freeze slices of the bread. To thaw, simply place the slices in the toaster or wrap them in a towel and warm in the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Simple and Easy: No kneading required! You just mix, rest, shape, and bake.
• Perfect for Beginners: If you’re new to baking, this no-knead bread is a fantastic recipe to start with.
• Minimal Ingredients: Only three ingredients needed—self-rising flour, sparkling water, and salt!
• Golden, Crispy Crust: The Dutch oven method creates the perfect crust every time.
• Customizable: Add herbs, cheese, or seeds for a unique twist on this simple loaf.

Conclusion: This no-knead bread recipe is a game-changer for those looking for a hassle-free way to make homemade bread. It’s perfect for beginners and anyone short on time but still wants a delicious, homemade loaf. The sparkling water and self-rising flour work wonders in creating a light, airy texture with a beautiful golden crust. Whether you serve it with your favorite soup or enjoy it as a snack, this easy-to-make bread is sure to impress. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your taste—add herbs, garlic, or cheese to make it your own. Enjoy the warm, rustic taste of fresh bread, all without the need for complex techniques or long kneading times.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?
   • Yes, you can, but you’ll need to add baking powder and salt to mimic the self-rising effect. Use 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt for every cup of flour.
2. Do I need to use sparkling water?
   • Sparkling water helps create a lighter, airier bread by adding bubbles to the dough. Still, you can use still water if needed, though the texture may differ.
3. Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?
   • Yes, you can use a regular baking sheet, but the crust won’t be as crispy and golden. You can cover the bread with aluminum foil during the first 35 minutes of baking to help retain moisture.
4. How can I add flavor to the bread?
   • You can incorporate dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme), garlic powder, or shredded cheese into the dough for extra flavor.
5. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
   • Yes, use gluten-free self-rising flour and adjust the baking time as necessary.
6. Can I bake this bread in a regular oven without preheating the Dutch oven?
   • It’s not recommended, as preheating the Dutch oven helps create the necessary steam to develop a crisp crust.
7. How long will the bread stay fresh?
   • The bread will stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature. You can freeze it for longer storage.
8. Can I use warm water instead of cold for the dough?
   • Yes, warm water helps activate the dough and speeds up the process.
9. What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
   • Ensure the dough has enough time to rest at room temperature and that the yeast (or sparkling water in this case) was fresh and active.
10. Can I double the recipe?

• Yes, just use a larger Dutch oven and adjust the baking time as necessary.