This No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread is rustic, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. With a crisp golden crust and a soft, chewy center, it combines sweet dried cranberries with fragrant fresh rosemary for a delicious sweet-and-savory flavor.
The best part is that there’s no kneading required. A long overnight rise does most of the work, allowing the dough to develop flavor and texture while you do almost nothing. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt finish the loaf beautifully.
Serve it warm with butter, alongside soup, or as part of a breakfast or brunch spread. It also makes a wonderful homemade gift during the holidays.
🛒 Ingredients
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 1¼ teaspoons (7 g) salt
- ½ teaspoon (2 g) instant yeast
- 1½ cups (360 ml) warm water
- ½ cup (70 g) dried cranberries
- 2 teaspoons (1 g) fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir in the warm water until a sticky dough forms.
Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped rosemary, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. Let the Dough Rise
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours, or until it has doubled in size and looks bubbly on the surface.
The long rise is what gives this bread its wonderful flavor and airy texture.
3. Preheat the Dutch Oven
About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Place a Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot with its lid inside the oven while it heats. The hot pot helps create the crisp, beautifully browned crust.
4. Transfer the Dough
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Transfer the risen dough into the pot.
Drizzle the top with a little olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
5. Bake Covered
Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and bake for 30 minutes. Keeping the pot covered traps steam, helping the bread develop a crisp crust while keeping the inside soft.
6. Finish Baking
Remove the lid and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the bread is deeply golden and the crust is crisp.
7. Cool Before Slicing
Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool before slicing so the interior has time to finish setting.
⭐ Tips for Success
- Don’t add extra flour: The dough should be sticky. That’s normal for no-knead bread.
- Give it enough time: The 12–18 hour rise is important for developing flavor and texture.
- Use a hot Dutch oven: Preheating the pot helps create that bakery-style crust.
- Don’t slice immediately: Let the bread cool before cutting for the best texture.
- Adjust the rosemary: If you prefer a milder herb flavor, use slightly less rosemary.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This bread is delicious served warm with butter or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. The cranberries add little bursts of sweetness that pair especially well with soft cheeses, making this loaf a great addition to a cheese board.
You can also serve it alongside soups, roasted meats, salads, or holiday meals. Toast leftover slices and top them with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite spread for an easy breakfast.
🧊 Storage
Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or bread bag at room temperature for up to a few days.
For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag. Individual slices can be thawed and toasted whenever you’re ready to enjoy them.
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 12–18 hours
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 13–18 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 220 per slice
❤️ Final Thoughts
This No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread proves that homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you can create a rustic loaf with a crisp crust, tender center, fragrant rosemary, and sweet cranberry flavor.
It’s simple enough for a beginner and impressive enough to serve at a holiday dinner or special gathering.