Crusty Cranberry Nut No-Knead Bread
There’s something incredibly captivating about the aroma of fresh-baked bread wafting through your home. This Crusty Cranberry Nut No-Knead Bread embodies that warm, inviting feeling, with its crunchy crust encasing a soft, flavorful interior filled with tart cranberries and earthy nuts. It’s the kind of bread that warms hearts and fills homes with cheer, making it a perfect addition to family gatherings or holiday feasts. Not only is this no-knead bread easy to prepare—providing you with a little more time to spend with loved ones—it is also deeply nostalgic and kid-friendly, giving you and your family stories to share over a warm slice slathered in butter.
Picture yourself tearing away at its golden crust, the sweet, tangy notes of cranberry dancing with the rich nuttiness of walnuts or pecans. Why not indulge in this delightful treat?
What’s Your Favorite Holiday Bread?
Do you recall a special day marked by the warm smell of bread or baked goods wafting through your kitchen? Perhaps it was a chilly winter afternoon when your family convened to enjoy a delicious meal. Or maybe it was a simple, quiet Sunday morning spent with a cup of coffee and a slice of homemade bread.
In these fleeting moments filled with love and laughter, the right bread can elevate the experience. So, what if you could create memories like these on a whim? Don’t you wish for a warm loaf of nutty, cranberry-infused bread to accompany those extraordinary moments? Let’s dive into the comforting world of Crusty Cranberry Nut No-Knead Bread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crusty Cranberry Nut No-Knead Bread is a true gem for several reasons.
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Effortless Prep: With minimal mixing and the magic of overnight rising, you don’t need a culinary degree to create a beautiful loaf.
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Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of crunchy nuts and sweet-tart cranberries will leave your friends and family asking for seconds; you may even want to double the batch!
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Healthy-ish Indulgence: Packed with nuts and dried fruit, this bread adds a hint of nutrition to your indulgence.
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Versatile: Whether served alongside soup, as part of a brunch spread, or slathered with butter, you can enjoy this bread in various ways.
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Minimal Ingredients: Simplicity shines with just a handful of pantry staples, making this recipe approachable and stress-free.
Ingredients
To embark on this delicious journey, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 cups plus 2 tablespoons bread flour or all-purpose flour: The backbone of your bread, creating that glorious structure.
- 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt: Enhancing the flavors and adding that satisfying crunch.
- 3/4 teaspoon Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast: The magic that makes your dough rise beautifully.
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Providing a delightful, nutty crunch that compliments the cranberries.
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries: Bursting with juicy sweetness and a tangy zip.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A drizzle of natural sweetness to elevate the flavors.
- 1 and 1/2 cups warm water (about 95°F): Bringing everything together, creating a tender crumb.
As you lay out these ingredients, picture the vibrant colors and textures that will soon come together in harmony, enticing your senses and igniting your passion for baking.
Timing
When it comes to baking this Crusty Cranberry Nut No-Knead Bread, you’ll find a fascinating tension between fast indulgence and slow culinary luxury.
The preparation itself is incredibly quick: a matter of minutes to combine and mix ingredients. The real magic happens while the dough rises overnight. Allowing it to rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours develops rich flavors and ensures that every bite is filled with delightful texture.
This timeless approach gives you the best of both worlds—an easy prep with a luxurious outcome that tastes like it came straight from a high-end bakery.
Step-by-Step
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In a large bowl, stir together the flour, salt, yeast, nuts, and cranberries with eager anticipation.
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Mix the honey and warm water together, then pour over the dry ingredients, as the dough eagerly absorbs every drop. Mix to combine. The dough will be very sticky—don’t be tempted to add more flour here; the stickiness is what makes this bread so undeniably luscious.
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Gently shape the dough into a ball, feeling its weight and potential.
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Cover the bowl and let it rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. Imagine the dough bubbling and expanding, ready to become something amazing.
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Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it delicately into a ball, admiring the transformation.
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Transfer the dough to a large piece of parchment paper and, with a heart full of anticipation, score an “X” into the top. This gives the bread room to expand and creates visual appeal. Let it rest for another 30 minutes.
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Preheat your oven to 475°F while imagining the enticing aroma that will soon fill your kitchen. Place your Dutch oven in the oven for 30 minutes to heat up; this is where the magic begins.
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Remove the Dutch oven and gently place the dough inside. The hiss as the dough meets the hot pot signals the start of something wonderful. Bake for 25 minutes with the lid on, allowing steam to work its wonders.
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Remove the lid and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes. At this point, your kitchen will be filled with a golden aroma, and your patience will be rewarded.
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Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing, if you can resist. The wait is agonizing, but it’s worth it for that first taste!
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this Crusty Cranberry Nut No-Knead Bread offers a heavenly combination of flavors, averaging around 180 calories. Indulgent, yes, but the mix of nuts and dried fruit provides nutritional boost too.
Indulging doesn’t have to be guilt-ridden with this dish; savor it during a cozy breakfast, snack time, or as a side with dinner. Allow yourself the luxury of enjoying great taste with every bite!
Healthier Alternatives
For those seeking a healthier twist, consider these alternatives:
- Low-Sugar Options: Swap honey for a natural low-calorie sweetener to cut the sugar without sacrificing taste.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is already dairy-free, but if you want to enhance flavor, add a splash of non-dairy milk or yogurt for moisture.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour to enjoy this beloved recipe sans gluten, while maintaining that delightful texture.
Serving Suggestions
Envision your Crusty Cranberry Nut No-Knead Bread gracing the table at celebrations, sliced generously and served warm. It pairs exquisitely with a dollop of whipped cream cheese or butter, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a unique twist!
Are you hosting a holiday gathering? This bread can serve as a stunning centerpiece, or accompany a cheese board, complementing cured meats and sweet jams.
Whether you’re crafting a cozy breakfast spread or enjoying an afternoon snack, this bread embraces the moment with every rich, tantalizing bite.
Common Mistakes
Even the most seasoned bakers can encounter minor hiccups. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the bread during its final moments in the oven. An extra minute can alter the texture, leading to an overly dry result.
- Texture Issues: If the dough is too dry or too wet due to adjustments in flour or water, it could affect the final crumb. Stick to the recipe for the best outcome.
- Messes: Baking is messy, but protect your workspace by having everything prepped in advance. Anticipating spills and flour dust will only help you enjoy the process!
Storing Tips
To preserve the magic of your Crusty Cranberry Nut No-Knead Bread, follow these handy storage tips:
- Freezing Portions: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to enjoy a slice whenever you crave it!
- Reheating Instructions: To revive its crusty exterior, preheat the oven to 350°F and warm slices for 10-15 minutes, allowing the bread to become fresh and inviting once more.
Tempted to Bake?
With each step, this Crusty Cranberry Nut No-Knead Bread transforms from humble ingredients into a beautiful creation. Infuse your next meal with the love and warmth that only freshly baked bread can bring. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing it with others, this recipe is worth making ASAP! Gather your ingredients, dive in, and enjoy the breathtaking experience that awaits you.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
- It’s best to stick to dried cranberries for this recipe, as fresh ones may introduce too much moisture.
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What is the best way to tell if the bread is done?
- It should be golden brown, and tapping the bottom should produce a hollow sound.
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Can I let the dough rise longer than 18 hours?
- While you can let it rise longer, be cautious, as over-proofing may lead to a denser texture.
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What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
- You can use any oven-safe pot with a lid; just ensure it’s thick enough to trap steam.
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Can I add other ingredients like seeds or spices?
- Absolutely! Get creative—add your favorite seeds, spices or other nuts for a personal twist.
This Crusty Cranberry Nut No-Knead Bread is not just a recipe; it’s an experience waiting to be shared. Enjoy the warmth it brings to your home and the joy it adds to your life!
Print
Crusty Cranberry Nut No-Knead Bread
- Total Time: 795 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm, inviting no-knead bread filled with tart cranberries and crunchy nuts, perfect for family gatherings and holiday feasts.
Ingredients
- 3 cups plus 2 tablespoons bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
- 3/4 teaspoon Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 and 1/2 cups warm water (about 95°F)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the flour, salt, yeast, nuts, and cranberries.
- Mix the honey and warm water together, then pour over the dry ingredients and mix to combine.
- Gently shape the dough into a ball and cover the bowl. Let it rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball.
- Transfer the dough to parchment paper, score an ‘X’ into the top, and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 475°F and place a Dutch oven inside to heat for 30 minutes.
- Place the dough inside the hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes.
- Let the bread cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For added flavor, consider experimenting with different nuts or adding herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
