No Knead Whole Wheat Rosemary Bread Recipe
Introduction
This no-knead bread recipe brings rustic homemade bread to your kitchen with minimal effort. It combines whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a hearty texture and a beautifully crisp crust. Perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike!

Ingredients
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 2 cups water (lukewarm)
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 ⅓ cups all purpose flour
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt (plus more for sprinkling on top)
- Olive oil
- Fresh rosemary (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the yeast and lukewarm water to a large mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup of the flour and the salt until well combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it has roughly doubled in size.
- Step 4: Lightly oil the bottom of a 10 or 12-inch Dutch oven or cast iron pan.
- Step 5: Generously sprinkle flour over the top of the dough. Lightly rub flour onto your hands and gently shape the dough into a rough disk as you transfer it to the oiled Dutch oven.
- Step 6: Cover the Dutch oven with a clean tea towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
- Step 7: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 8: After the second rise, brush the top of the dough lightly with olive oil. Using a sharp knife, cut an “X” into the top. Sprinkle with kosher salt and chopped rosemary.
- Step 9: Bake the bread for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, try mixing in 1–2 tablespoons of honey or molasses with the water before adding yeast.
- Swap fresh rosemary with other herbs like thyme or oregano based on your preference.
- If you don’t have a Dutch oven, use a heavy oven-safe pot with a lid to replicate the crusty environment.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
Storage
Store the bread at room temperature in a paper bag or wrapped in a kitchen towel for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the loaf in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat by warming slices in a toaster or oven until crisp.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute all the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour for a lighter texture, but the bread will have less depth of flavor and fewer nutrients.
Do I have to use a Dutch oven?
A Dutch oven helps create a steamy environment that develops a crispy crust, but you can use any heavy oven-safe pot with a lid as an alternative.
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No Knead Whole Wheat Rosemary Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This No Knead Bread recipe is a simple, rustic loaf with a crisp golden crust and a soft, airy interior. Made with a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, it requires minimal effort and no kneading. Perfect for beginner bakers or anyone craving fresh, homemade bread with a touch of fresh rosemary for aroma and flavor.
Ingredients
Bread Dough
- 1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 2 cups lukewarm water
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 ⅓ cups all purpose flour
- ½ Tablespoon kosher salt (plus more for sprinkling on top)
For Baking
- Olive oil
- Fresh rosemary (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the active dry yeast with the lukewarm water. Stir gently to mix and let the yeast begin to activate.
- Add Flour and Salt: Add 1 cup of flour and the kosher salt to the yeast mixture, stirring until well combined. Continue adding the remaining flour 1 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until a sticky dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until the dough has roughly doubled in size.
- Prepare Dutch Oven: Lightly oil the bottom of a 10” or 12” Dutch oven or cast iron pan to prevent sticking.
- Shape Dough: Generously sprinkle the top of the dough with flour. Lightly rub flour on your hands and gently shape the dough into a rough disk. Carefully transfer the shaped dough into the prepared Dutch oven.
- Second Rise: Cover the Dutch oven with a tea towel and allow the dough to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: During the second rise, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare for Baking: After the dough has finished rising, lightly brush the top with olive oil using a pastry brush. Using a sharp knife, score an X into the top of the dough. Sprinkle with kosher salt and chopped fresh rosemary for flavor.
- Bake: Place the Dutch oven in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Notes
- Ensure the water is lukewarm (about 100°F/38°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Do not skip the second rise; it helps develop the bread’s texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have a Dutch oven, use a heavy cast iron skillet with a lid or a baking dish covered tightly with aluminum foil.
- Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to allow the crumb to set.
- This bread stores well for up to 3 days wrapped in a cloth or paper bag to maintain crustiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: no knead bread, easy homemade bread, rustic bread, homemade whole wheat bread, rosemary bread

