5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread (No Knead) Recipe

Introduction

This 5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread is a simple, no-knead recipe perfect for homemade sandwiches. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can enjoy warm, crusty bread that’s ideal for paninis or any meal.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Pour in the warm water and olive oil.
2. Step 2: Mix with a spatula until there is no dry flour left. Using wet hands, pull one corner of the dough and fold it over itself. Turn the bowl 45 degrees and repeat folding eight times in total.
3. Step 3: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot to rise for 1 hour, until the dough has doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Generously flour a work surface and turn the risen dough out onto it. Flour the top of the dough as well, then cut it into 6 equal pieces using a knife or bench scraper.
5. Step 5: Transfer the dough pieces to a floured, parchment-lined baking sheet.
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.
7. Step 7: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a softer crust, brush the tops with olive oil before baking.
• Add herbs like rosemary or garlic powder to the flour mixture for extra flavor.
• If you don’t have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast but proof it first in some warm water with sugar.

Storage

Store the panini bread in an airtight container or wrapped in a kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep longer, freeze the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Reheat by warming slices in a toaster or oven to restore crustiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without kneading?

Yes, this recipe is designed as a no-knead bread, relying on folding during mixing and a good rise for structure.

What is the best temperature for warm water in this recipe?

The water should be warm to the touch, around 100–110°F (38–43°C), to activate the yeast without killing it.

5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread (No Knead) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 102 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 panini bread pieces 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This easy 5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread recipe yields soft yet crusty bread, perfect for making delicious paninis. No kneading is required, making this a simple and accessible bread that rises well and bakes into golden, flavorful loaves.

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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. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt until evenly mixed.
2. Add Wet Ingredients and Mix: Pour in the warm water and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, stir until no dry flour remains and a sticky dough forms.
3. Fold Dough: With wet hands, pull one corner of the dough up and fold it over itself. Rotate the bowl about 45 degrees and repeat this folding process eight times total to help develop the gluten without kneading.
4. Let Dough Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Allow the dough to rise for 1 hour until it has noticeably expanded.
5. Prepare Dough for Baking: Generously flour a clean surface and turn the risen dough out onto it. Dust the top of the dough with flour and cut it into 6 equal pieces using a knife or bench scraper.
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the dough pieces directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet that is heavily floured to prevent sticking.
7. Bake the Bread: Bake the dough in a preheated oven at 440°F (227°C) for 30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crusty.
8. Cool Before Serving: Remove the panini bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing or serving to ensure the crust remains crisp.

Notes

• The high baking temperature helps create a crispy crust while keeping the interior soft.
• Using warm water (not hot) activates the yeast properly for optimal rising.
• No kneading is required, but the folding step helps develop dough structure.
• Make sure to cool the bread completely before slicing to maintain its crusty texture.
• You can customize flavor by adding herbs or garlic powder to the dry ingredients if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: panini bread, no knead bread, crusty bread, simple bread recipe, homemade panini bread