🌿 No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread with Olive Oil & Sea Salt

🌿 Description

This rustic no-knead bread is crusty on the outside, soft and airy inside, with fragrant rosemary and sweet-tart cranberries in every bite. Extra virgin olive oil gives it a delicate richness, while flaky sea salt adds the perfect finishing touch.

It’s the kind of artisan loaf that looks bakery-fancy but is incredibly simple to make — no kneading, no mixer, just time and good ingredients.

Perfect with soups, cheese boards, olive tapenade, or alongside Mediterranean dinners.

🛒 Ingredients

3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
½ tsp instant yeast
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
½ cup dried cranberries
1 ⅓ cups warm water
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Flaky sea salt, for topping

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, yeast, rosemary, and cranberries.

Add warm water and olive oil.
Stir with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms. It will look sticky — that’s perfect.

2️⃣ Rest (No Kneading!)

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel.
Let it rest at room temperature for 8–12 hours (overnight works best).

The dough will become bubbly and doubled in size.

3️⃣ Shape

Lightly flour a surface.
Turn out dough and gently fold it over itself 2–3 times.
Shape into a round loaf.

Place on parchment paper and let rest 30–45 minutes.

4️⃣ Bake

Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).

If using a Dutch oven:

Preheat the Dutch oven inside the oven.
Carefully place dough (with parchment) into hot pot.
Cover and bake 30 minutes.
Remove lid and bake 10–15 more minutes until golden brown.

If not using Dutch oven:
Bake on a tray with a small pan of water in the oven (for steam).

5️⃣ Finish

Brush lightly with olive oil while warm.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.

Cool at least 30 minutes before slicing.

🌟 Mediterranean Tips

Add orange zest for extra brightness.
Mix in chopped walnuts for texture.
Serve with whipped feta and honey.
Drizzle with additional olive oil before serving.

🍽 Serving Ideas

Pair with roasted vegetable soup
Serve on a mezze platter with olives and hummus
Toast slices and top with goat cheese
Use for gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, replace up to 1 cup with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.

Q: Can I shorten the rising time?

You can reduce to 4–5 hours in a warm room, but overnight gives better flavor.

Q: Why is my bread dense?

Too much flour or not enough resting time can cause density.

Q: Can I freeze it?

Yes! Slice first, then freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Do I need a Dutch oven?

No, but it helps create a crisp crust. Steam in the oven is the alternative.