Easy No-Knead Panini Bread Recipe [Comfort Food]

Alright, let’s chat! How many times have you stared into the fridge, wondering how to pull together a meal that’s both comforting AND doesn’t take all day? I’ve been there, trust me! That’s why I’m so excited to share this no-knead panini bread recipe with you.

This isn’t just any bread recipe; it’s my sanity-saver on those days when the thought of kneading dough sends me running for the takeout menu. I remember the first time I tried a no-knead panini bread recipe – I was skeptical! Could something so simple actually taste good?

Well, my family devoured it! And honestly, that’s all the convincing I needed. It was soft on the inside, perfectly crusty on the outside, and the best part? Minimal effort! Now, this no-knead panini bread recipe is a regular in our household, bringing comfort and joy with every single bite. If you’re like me and crave simple solutions for feeding your family without the overwhelm, you’re in the right place. This no-knead panini bread recipe is a game changer!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our no-knead panini bread recipe. Don’t have all-purpose? You can substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture.
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Salt balances the flavors and controls the yeast. Trust me, don’t skip it!
• ¼ teaspoon instant dry yeast: This is what gives our bread its rise. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
• 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F): The warm water activates the yeast. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate properly.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds flavor and helps create a beautifully crusty crust. My family gets extra comfort when I add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning too!

Trust me, this no-knead panini bread recipe ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store, no need to hunt down anything fancy. This no-knead panini bread recipe proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive! Sometimes, I’ll even double the batch and freeze half of the dough for future baking days. It’s such a time-saver.

Let’s Make it Happen!

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast. Don’t worry about being too precise – this no-knead panini bread recipe is all about ease.
2. Pour in the warm water and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. It will be sticky – that’s totally normal! The dough should be wet, this is what makes for a lovely, crusty panini bread.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let it rise at room temperature for at least 12 hours, or up to 18 hours. This long rise is what develops the flavor in our overnight panini bread. I usually start this step before bed so that my bread is ready to go the next day. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
4. After the rise, gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. It will be bubbly and a little loose. Don’t worry if your no-knead panini bread recipe looks a little messy at this stage – it’s all part of the process!
5. Shape the dough into a rectangle, about 12 inches long and 8 inches wide. Cut the rectangle into 6 equal pieces. Now, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can use your hands to shape those pieces into more uniform panini shapes but honestly, I skip that step.
6. Place the panini dough pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them rest for 30 minutes. This is where I used to struggle with my no-knead panini bread recipe – learn from my experience! I found that this resting period is crucial for the bread to hold its shape during baking.
7. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a baking stone or pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. While your no-knead panini bread recipe is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). Your no-knead panini bread recipe should smell amazing by now!
9. Let the panini bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and using. And voila! You have fresh, homemade panini bread without all the fuss.

How We Love to Eat This!

My family devours this comforting no-knead panini bread recipe when I serve it with grilled chicken, pesto, and mozzarella. So simple, but always a hit! This easy panini bread is also fantastic for grilled cheese sandwiches, turkey and swiss melts, or even just toasted with butter and jam. For a fun twist, try adding some roasted red peppers or olives to the dough before the second rise.

This no-knead panini bread recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! I also love making a batch on the weekends and using the bread for school lunches throughout the week. It’s so much better than store-bought bread and the kids love it! And when we have friends over for a casual lunch, I always get requests for the recipe after serving sandwiches with this artisan panini bread recipe.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

• Is this no-knead panini bread recipe really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The bread is surprisingly hearty and satisfying. Pair it with a protein and some veggies, and you’ve got a complete meal.
• What if my picky eater won’t try this no-knead panini bread recipe? Try cutting the panini into fun shapes or making mini pizzas with them. Sometimes, a little presentation goes a long way! Another trick is to load it up with familiar toppings like cheese and tomato sauce.
• Can I meal prep this no-knead panini bread recipe for busy weeks ahead? Yes! The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking. You can also bake the bread and freeze it for up to 2 months.
• My dough didn’t rise as much as I expected. What did I do wrong? The most common reason for this is the yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water you used was warm, not hot. Also, a cold room can slow down the rising process.
• Can I use whole wheat flour in this no-knead panini bread recipe? Yes, but the texture will be denser. I recommend using a blend of half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour for the best results.
• Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough? Absolutely! Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can add extra flavor. You can also add shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, for a cheesy twist.
• What if I don’t have a baking stone? No problem! Just bake the bread directly on the baking sheet. The baking stone helps to create a crispier crust, but it’s not essential. Also, adding an extra pan in the oven to the bottom, and throwing ice cubes into it when you close the door to bake the bread can create a crispy crust.

Final Thoughts:

This no-knead panini bread recipe supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s easy, delicious, and made with simple ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that makes me feel good about feeding my family, without spending hours in the kitchen.

Here are a few Comfort Hacks that I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t overthink it! This recipe is forgiving. Even if your dough isn’t perfect, it will still turn out delicious.
• Get the kids involved! Let them help with measuring ingredients or shaping the dough. It’s a great way to get them excited about cooking.
• Experiment with flavors! Try adding different herbs, spices, or cheeses to customize the bread to your family’s tastes.

Here are a few family-tested no-knead panini bread recipe variations:

• Garlic Herb: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano) to the dough. My husband loves this version!
• Cheese and Onion: Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ¼ cup of finely chopped onion to the dough. The kids go crazy for this one.
• Spicy Jalapeño: Add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) to the dough. I enjoy this one when I am craving spice.

I hope this no-knead panini bread recipe brings as much comfort and joy to your family as it has to mine. Give it a try, and let me know what you think! I’m cheering you on from my cozy, chaotic kitchen to yours! This recipe reminds me of another family favorite, 5 Ingredient No-Knead Sandwich Bread Recipe. If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out Roasted Garlic Potato Soup. A great sourdough bread recipe variation is Easy Sourdough Sandwich Bread – The Clever Carrot, and Easy Sourdough Sandwich Bread | Alexandra’s Kitchen. Give this overnight panini bread a try!

no-knead panini bread recipe

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Enjoy freshly baked panini bread without the fuss of kneading! This simple recipe yields delicious, crusty loaves perfect for your favorite sandwich fillings.

• Author: Beatriz
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 loaves
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon instant or rapid-rise yeast
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) lukewarm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for greasing

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast.
2. Add the lukewarm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. It will be sticky.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours, or until doubled in size and bubbly.
4. Generously flour a work surface. Gently scrape the dough out of the bowl and onto the floured surface. Shape it into a rectangle and divide into 4 equal pieces.
5. Gently shape each piece into an oblong or oval shape for panini bread.
6. Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for 30-45 minutes, or until slightly puffed.
7. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
8. Just before baking, brush the tops of the loaves with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt, if desired.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
10. Let cool on a wire rack before slicing and using for paninis.

Notes

For extra flavor, add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough. Brush the bread with garlic-infused olive oil before grilling for added zing.