Name: 5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread (No Knead) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 4 Cups All Purpose Flour; 2 Tsp Instant Yeast; ½ Tsp Sugar; 1 Tsp Salt; 2 Cups Warm Water; 1 Tbsp Olive Oil

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If you’ve ever wished for a homemade bread that combines simplicity with that perfect crusty panini texture, you are in for a treat. This 5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread (No Knead) recipe is an absolute game-changer—requiring barely any effort, few basic ingredients, and zero kneading, yet delivering a golden, airy, and irresistibly crunchy bread perfect for your panini sandwiches. Trust me, this is the kind of bread that will quickly become your go-to when you want something wholesome, delicious, and totally satisfying without the fuss.

5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread (No Knead) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s truly amazing about this recipe is how just a few simple ingredients come together to create complex flavor and a beautifully crisp texture. Each one plays a starring role, from the flour providing structure to the yeast sparking that magical rise and the olive oil adding a subtle richness.

4 Cups All Purpose Flour: The foundation for the bread’s structure and chewy crumb, choose a high-quality flour for the best results.
2 Tsp Instant Yeast: Provides the natural leavening so your bread puffs up perfectly without any hassle.
½ Tsp Sugar: Just enough to gently feed the yeast for a consistent rise, without adding sweetness to the bread.
1 Tsp Salt: Enhances the flavor depth and balances the dough beautifully.
2 Cups Warm Water: Hydrates the dough, ensuring a soft interior while helping develop that crisp crust.
1 Tbsp Olive Oil: Adds moisture and a lovely, subtle richness that makes the crust even better.

How to Make 5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread (No Knead)

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add Wet

Start by whisking together your all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Then add warm water and olive oil right on top. This starts the magic, letting the yeast wake up while the oil gently fattens the dough for a tender crumb and perfect crust.

Step 2: Mix Gently and Stretch the Dough

Use a spatula to combine everything until no dry flour remains—don’t worry about creating a smooth dough. Then, with wet hands, stretch one corner of the dough up and fold it over itself, turning the bowl about 45 degrees each time. Repeat this folding motion eight times total. This technique builds strength in your dough without any kneading at all.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap and set it somewhere warm for an hour. During this time, the yeast will ferment and the gluten will develop naturally, giving your bread a lovely rise and an airy inside texture—all without needing you to touch it further.

Step 4: Shape and Cut the Dough

After it has risen, generously flour a clean surface and carefully dump the dough out. Flour the top as well, then slice it into six equal parts using a knife or bench scraper. This step portion the dough so you’ll have perfectly sized breads for individual paninis.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Place each dough piece onto a floured, parchment-lined baking sheet. The extra flour on the bottom keeps the bread from sticking and helps maintain that crunch on the crust once baked.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your tray into a 440°F oven and bake for 30 minutes. As the heat works its magic, the crust will turn gorgeously golden and crisp while the inside becomes fluffy and flavorful. Let the breads cool completely before slicing or using—they develop their full texture upon resting.

How to Serve 5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread (No Knead)

Garnishes

This crusty panini bread is a versatile canvas that shines with bright, simple garnishes like fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt after grilling. Each adds a fresh dimension that complements the bread’s inherent savory charm.

Side Dishes

Considering what to serve alongside? Think warm soups like tomato bisque, creamy butternut squash, or a garlic-infused vegetable broth. The crisp texture of your panini bread pairs beautifully with these comforting sides, perfect for dipping or sopping up any juices.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread horizontally and use it as a base for grilled paninis stuffed with gooey cheeses, roasted vegetables, or savory meats. Alternatively, toast individual pieces and top with avocado mash, heirloom tomato slices, and fresh cracked pepper for a simple gourmet snack that wows.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra panini bread, store it in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to two days. This preserves the bread’s texture while preventing it from drying out too quickly.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap each bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. The bread will stay delicious for up to 3 months, making it easy to thaw and enjoy whenever you want fresh-tasting panini bread without baking from scratch again.

Reheating

To bring your bread back to life, heat it in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 5-8 minutes. This revives the crust’s crunch and warms the crumb, so it feels just like fresh-baked straight from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind it may result in a denser crumb and a slightly different flavor. You might want to try a blend of half whole wheat and half all-purpose to keep the texture light yet nutritious.

Is there a way to make this bread gluten-free?

This particular recipe relies on gluten development for its structure, so it’s not ideal for gluten-free baking. However, experimenting with gluten-free flour blends designed for bread could work, though expect a different texture and rise.

Why do I not need to knead this dough?

The combination of the folding technique and the resting time allows gluten to develop naturally without the physical effort of kneading. This no knead method makes bread baking accessible and foolproof for all levels!

Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

While this recipe is designed for no-knead hand mixing and oven baking, you can adapt it for a bread machine by using the dough setting and then baking in the oven for a crustier finish.

How do I ensure my bread comes out crispy?

A high baking temperature and using parchment paper with plenty of flour on your baking surface help develop that signature crusty exterior. Also, letting the bread cool before slicing preserves the crust’s crunch.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough how wonderful and approachable this 5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread (No Knead) recipe is for anyone looking to bake their own bread with minimal effort but maximum flavor. Once you try it, you’ll want to bake it again and again for sandwiches, snacks, and meal accompaniments. Give it a go—you’re going to absolutely love the process and the result!

5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread (No Knead) Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 6 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This 5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread recipe is an easy, no-knead method to create delicious, rustic bread perfect for sandwiches or paninis. With just basic pantry staples, this bread yields a golden, crusty exterior and a soft, airy interior, ideal for quick homemade meals.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients.
Mix and Fold Dough: Using a spatula, mix until no dry flour remains. Wet your hands and pull one corner of the dough up, folding it over itself. Turn the bowl 45 degrees and repeat this folding motion 8 times total to develop the dough’s structure without kneading.
Let Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Allow the dough to rise for 1 hour until slightly puffed.
Prepare Dough for Baking: Generously flour a clean surface, then dump the risen dough onto it. Flour the top of the dough as well. Using a knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 6 equal pieces.
Arrange Bread Pieces: Transfer each piece directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet heavily dusted with flour to prevent sticking.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 440°F (225°C). Bake the bread for 30 minutes or until golden brown and crusty on top.
Cool Before Serving: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack to finish setting the crust before slicing or serving.

Notes

Use warm water (around 100°F/38°C) to activate the yeast without killing it.
Do not skip the folding steps; they replace traditional kneading and help develop gluten.
Baking at a high temperature creates the characteristic crusty exterior.
You can store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
To refresh crusty texture after storage, reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: No-Knead Baking
Cuisine: Italian-inspired