5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread (No Knead) Recipe

If you’ve been craving bakery-style sandwich bread but don’t want the fuss of kneading or special equipment, this 5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread (No Knead) will absolutely change your homemade bread game. With just a handful of pantry staples and barely any hands-on time, you’ll be rewarded with golden, crackling crusts and soft, airy interiors that are just waiting for your favorite fillings. Whether you love classic grilled paninis or just want fresh bread on hand, this recipe makes baking feel easier and more rewarding than ever.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This simple bread relies on five everyday ingredients you probably have in your kitchen right now, each playing a crucial part in the final texture, rise, and flavor. Embracing simplicity lets the quality of each element shine through for bakery-worthy results.

• All Purpose Flour: The backbone of the bread, creating structure and softness for that perfect panini texture.
• Instant Yeast: Gives the dough a beautiful rise and aeration, all without needing extra proofing steps.
• Sugar: Just a touch to feed the yeast and help develop the golden crust during baking.
• Salt: Essential for balancing flavor and strengthening the dough—it’s what makes every bite memorable.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and brings the dough together with ease for a tender crumb.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and a hint of richness, helping to achieve that signature crust.

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

Step 1: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large bowl. Add in your flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. With those mixed, pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir everything together with a sturdy spatula until no pockets of dry flour remain—the mixture should be sticky and shaggy, and that’s exactly what you want for this hands-off bread recipe.

Step 2: Fold the Dough for Texture

Next, dampen your hands to prevent sticking. Reach into one corner of the dough, pull it up, and fold it over itself. Rotate the bowl about 45 degrees and repeat, doing this a total of 8 times. These quick folds help develop structure, giving your 5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread (No Knead) an impressive crumb without tedious kneading.

Step 3: Rise and Rest

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and tuck it into a warm, draft-free spot in your kitchen. Letting the dough rise for an hour allows the yeast to work its magic, doubling the dough and giving it that irresistible airy lift.

Step 4: Shape and Divide

Flour your countertop generously—this dough is delicate and sticky. Gently tip the risen dough onto the surface and dust the top with more flour. With a bench scraper or sharp knife, divide the dough into six even pieces. There’s no need for perfect shaping; the rustic look bakes up beautifully for paninis or sandwiches.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and flour it well. Place the dough pieces directly on the sheet, spacing them out. Slide into a preheated 440°F oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until your kitchen smells amazing and the loaves are deep golden brown. Let them cool to lock in that signature crust!

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

Garnishes

Just before serving, you can brush the warm loaves with olive oil and sprinkle a little sea salt or freshly chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme. For a cheesy twist, a grating of Parmesan over the hot crust adds a lovely nutty top.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs perfectly with classic Italian side salads, a platter of cured meats and cheeses, or a bowl of steamy tomato soup. It’s sturdy enough for hearty sandwiches but equally divine alongside a bowl of olives and marinated veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

You can split these rustic loaves and fill them with melty mozzarella, fresh basil, and roasted tomatoes for an easy caprese panini. Or, slice them on the diagonal, toast, and serve on a sharing board with tapenade, spreads, or a garlicky olive oil dip for instant wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got extra 5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread (No Knead), just let the loaves cool completely, then slip them into a paper bag or wrap loosely in a clean kitchen towel. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, maintaining that crusty exterior.

Freezing

These breads freeze beautifully! Once fully cooled, wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer bag. They keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To re-crisp the crust, set thawed or day-old bread in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes. The crust comes back to life and the inside turns soft and warm, making it perfect for panini grilling or fresh sandwiches again.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes! Just dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water with the sugar first, let it sit for about 5 minutes until bubbly, and then proceed with the recipe. The rest of the steps for making the 5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread (No Knead) stay the same.

What if my dough seems too sticky to handle?

This dough is meant to be on the stickier side, which creates that lovely open crumb. Dust your hands and work surface generously with flour to manage the dough easily, especially when dividing and shaping.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Mix and fold the dough, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 18 hours. When you’re ready, proceed with shaping and baking—cold dough may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Is this bread good for things besides paninis?

Definitely! The 5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread (No Knead) makes fantastic sandwich rolls, soup dippers, or even a rustic base for mini pizzas and bruschetta. Its texture is versatile and crowd-pleasing.

Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?

You sure can. Feel free to stir in dried herbs like oregano, garlic powder, or a pinch of chili flakes along with the flour for extra flavor. Just keep it to about a tablespoon total to keep the texture perfect.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about pulling fresh, golden loaves from your oven, especially when it’s as effortless as this recipe. Give the 5-Ingredient Crusty Panini Bread (No Knead) a try—you might find it becomes a new staple in your kitchen, perfect for sandwiches, sides, and snacks any day of the week.

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