All the no-knead recipes you'll ever need

Because who's got the time (or strength!) for endless pummeling?

Overnight bread baked in a cast iron pot Source: Cook like an Italian

Bread-making tutorials can certainly be overwhelming and you could be forgiven for thinking that bread is complicated. There's talk of crumb, crust and kneading techniques. So many, many kneading instructions that seem to require a commitment we are just not ready to give.

Here's the thing: all of that is very important, but it's not essential. Bread making can actually be very simple, as these no-knead bread recipes prove (geddit?). You can do bread from scratch, and you don't even need to knead. Well, not much, anyway...

No-skill crusty loaf

This effortlessly rustic loaf has a flavour that tends towards a sourdough. Source: China Squirrel

Ten minutes prep produces this crusty loaf with an open crumb and crisp crust. The secret is in a long, slow rise in a warm, draught-free spot. A clever and quick envelope fold takes the place of laborious kneading. It's a quick skill to master and Poh's clear instructions will see you happily stretching and folding in no time.

Nepalese zero-knead

Serve these bread rolls with a tasty chutney for added breakfast oomph. Source: SBS Food

These traditional "round breads" make a deliciously easy breakfast. They're flavoured with ginger, garlic, cumin and coriander, so they'll leave you feeling satisfied too. Not a moment of kneading required.

Ciabatta spells easy

Enjoy with piquant extra virgin olive oil, cold cuts of meat and cheese, or good old butter and jam. Source: Made in Italy

This rustic spelt loaf requires just 15 minutes of hands-on time and takes only 35 minutes to cook. Prep it the night before then pop it in the oven when you wake up. It will be ready before you've even made the bed.

Fast flatbread

Natural yoghurt adds lightness and tang to these simple five-ingredient flatbreads. Source: Alan Benson

Most flatbreads require only minimal kneading, and this yoghurt-based recipe is no different. You'll have fresh, crispy flatbreads in about 15 minutes, ready to top with whatever you like (we strongly recommend lemon curd).

One-night stand

You don't even have to preheat the oven for this one. Source: Cook like an Italian

If you can stir a few ingredients together, you can make this overnight bread. All the work is done while you sleep. In the morning, the quickest of kneads (more of a vague prodding, really) is all that's required. Think of this as the one-night stand of breads - maximum enjoyment requiring minimum commitment.

No dampener damper

Campfire cooking your loaf isn't mandatory, but is extra nice. Source: Outback Gourmet

You can rely on a good ol' Aussie bread recipe to be fuss-free and non-kneady. This version has a slightly nutty flavour due to a liberal sprinkle of wattleseed (any seed would work just fine). A cheddar cheese top makes this loaf a meal in itself.

Ring-a-ding-ding

Kaak store well, so make a double batch to share with family and friends. Source: Alan Benson

Terrible pun, brilliant bread. Ring-shaped kaak is enjoyed all over Lebanon, typically served with cheese and za'atar. They pair especially well with an afternoon cuppa and a moment to oneself.

Alpine loafing

Cake au fromage et jambon des Alpes is a Gabriel Gaté specialty. Source: Taste le Tour with Gabriel Gaté

Possibly more 'cake' than 'bread', we didn't want to miss sharing this loaf from the French Alps. Though not traditionally served for breakfast, the cheese, ham, olives and walnut are just crying out for a little morning attention.

A quick knead is a good knead

A brush with butter partway through cooking creates the lovely coloured top. Source: Julian Kingma

We reckon three minutes of kneading is hardly kneading at all, hence the inclusion of this Maori potato bread. It uses a potato starter or 'bug', which takes three days to mature, but the rest of the recipe is quick and simple.

Lazy bakers apply here

A complete lunch in a bread loaf. Source: Lyndey Milan's Baking Secrets

This no-knead loaf is similar in flavour to focaccia. It's the perfect lazy baker's go-to bread recipe, relying on a strong flour to add the necessary gluten. It's flavoured with chorizo, but there's no reason why you can't add anything your heart desires to the mix.

Irish soda bread shortcut

This is the perfect bread if you're a first time baker – no yeast, no kneading. Spread it with anything you fancy, or serve with a cheeseboard.

Source: Mary Makes It Easy

Pita patter

Many gluten-free breads won't require kneading as there's no gluten to encourage. Source: Jeremy Simons

Another flatbread that isn't overly kneady, this gluten-free pita recipe requires more patting than kneading. It's also a good reminder that if you don't want to knead, there is always the dough hook on your stand mixer...