Are you tired of spending hours kneading dough only to end up with dense, disappointing bread? This No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread delivers crusty, bakery-quality results with minimal effort! The combination of fragrant rosemary and sweet-tart cranberries creates a rustic loaf that’s perfect for everything from holiday tables to everyday sandwiches.
Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook. I discovered this no-knead bread technique during a particularly hectic holiday season when I wanted to serve something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The moment my family tasted this rosemary cranberry combination, it became our signature bread for gatherings. What makes this recipe so special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that looks and tastes like it came from an artisanal bakery—all while you’re busy doing other things!
In this recipe guide, I’ll share my best tips for selecting ingredients, the foolproof mixing method, and how to achieve that perfect crackling crust. You’ll also find serving suggestions, storage tips, and creative variations to make this bread your own.
Why This No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread Works
- Effortless technique: Just mix, wait, and bake—no kneading required!
- Incredibly versatile: Perfect alongside soups, as sandwich bread, or as a stunning centerpiece
- Budget-friendly luxury: Creates a $6-8 artisanal-quality loaf for under $2
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep the dough at night, bake fresh in the morning
Choosing the Right Ingredients for No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread
Flour Selection
High-protein bread flour creates the best structure, but all-purpose flour works wonderfully too. For a more complex flavor profile, substitute up to 1 cup of whole wheat flour. The key is measuring accurately—either weigh your flour or use the spoon-and-level method for consistent results.
Cranberry Options
Dried cranberries work best in this no-knead bread recipe. Look for plump, moist cranberries without added sugar when possible. If your cranberries seem overly dry, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain thoroughly before adding to the dough.
Fresh vs. Dried Rosemary
While fresh rosemary provides the most aromatic flavor, dried rosemary is perfectly acceptable. If using fresh, chop it finely (about 2 tablespoons). If using dried, reduce to 1 tablespoon as the flavor is more concentrated.
Ingredients & Prep for No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread
Bread Base Essentials
- 3 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon instant yeast
- 1⅓ cups cool water
Flavor Additions
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for subtle sweetness)
- Zest of one orange (optional, enhances the cranberry flavor)
Looking for more comforting homemade recipes? Check out my Simple Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup that pairs perfectly with this bread!
Step-by-Step No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread Instructions
Pre-Baking Bread Prep
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and yeast.
- Add rosemary and cranberries, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Pour in water and honey (if using), mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. It will look rough and uneven—that’s perfect!
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature (about 70°F) for 12-18 hours. The longer fermentation creates flavor and texture without kneading.
Baking Method for No-Knead Bread
- When ready to bake, place a Dutch oven with its lid in the oven and preheat to 450°F for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, turn dough onto a well-floured surface. With floured hands, gently shape into a round loaf without kneading.
- Transfer to parchment paper, cover with a kitchen towel, and let rest while the oven preheats.
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven, place the dough (with parchment) inside, cover, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove lid and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until deeply golden brown.
Doneness Check for Bread
Your bread is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 200-205°F and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The crust should be deeply golden with visible cranberries peeking through.
Resting Your No-Knead Bread
Allow bread to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing. This critical resting period allows the crumb to set properly and prevents gumminess.
Pro Tips for Perfect No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread
Avoiding Common Bread Issues
- Too dense? Your dough might be too dry—next time, add 1-2 more tablespoons of water.
- Flat loaf? Be gentle when shaping to preserve air bubbles, and make sure your yeast is fresh.
- Pale crust? Remove the lid earlier or increase oven temperature by 25°F.
Essential Bread-Making Tools
A Dutch oven is ideal for creating steam that gives a crackly crust, but a covered ceramic casserole dish works too. Parchment paper prevents sticking, and a good kitchen scale ensures accuracy.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store in a paper bag at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze bread in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Refresh the crust by spritzing with water and heating in a 325°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
Want more easy dinner options for busy nights? My No-Peek Chicken Casserole is a family favorite that comes together quickly!
Flavor Variations for No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread
Sweet & Savory Twists
- Mediterranean: Replace cranberries with olives and add 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- Cinnamon-Walnut: Swap rosemary for 1 tablespoon cinnamon and cranberries for walnuts
- Lemon-Blueberry: Use dried blueberries instead of cranberries and add lemon zest
Dietary Adaptations
| Dietary Need | Flour Substitution | Other Adjustments | Rising Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | 3 cups 1:1 GF flour blend | Add 1 tsp xanthan gum | 8-12 hours |
| Lower Carb | 2 cups flour + 1 cup almond flour | Reduce water by 2 Tbsp | 14-18 hours |
| Vegan | Standard flour | Replace honey with maple syrup | 12-18 hours |
Global Flavor Inspirations
Try Italian herbs with sun-dried tomatoes, or create a Nordic-inspired version with caraway seeds and golden raisins. The no-knead method adapts beautifully to many flavor combinations.
Serving Suggestions for No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread
This versatile bread shines in many settings:
- Toast and top with goat cheese and a drizzle of honey
- Serve alongside hearty soups or stews
- Use for gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches
- Create an elegant cheese board centerpiece
- Transform day-old bread into crostini for appetizers
For a complete comfort food meal, pair with my Comforting Chicken Rice Casserole for a dinner that will delight everyone at your table.
Find more delicious serving ideas and recipe pairings on my Pinterest page where I’m constantly sharing new inspiration for your home cooking adventures!
FAQs About No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread
Can I make this bread with less rising time?
While the long rise develops flavor and texture, you can add ½ teaspoon more yeast and let it rise for 4-6 hours if you’re in a hurry.
What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
A covered casserole dish works well. You can also use a baking sheet with a metal bowl inverted over the dough for the first 30 minutes.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans (about ½ cup) make wonderful additions.
Why is my dough so sticky?
This is normal for no-knead bread. Use plenty of flour on your work surface and hands when shaping.
How do I know if my bread is fully baked?
The internal temperature should reach 200-205°F, and the loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Your No-Knead Bread Journey Begins
This No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread proves that artisan-quality bread doesn’t require special equipment or years of experience—just a bit of patience as time does the work for you. The combination of fragrant rosemary and sweet-tart cranberries creates a loaf that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
I’d love to see your creations! Tag @bikrenCook on social media with photos of your bread. And remember, each loaf gets better as you learn what works in your unique kitchen environment. Happy baking!