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Just-baked three seed bread on a cooling rack.

No-Knead Three-Seed Bread


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4.9 from 22 reviews

Description

Adapted from my cookbook, Bread Toast Crumbs.

Changes from the original recipe include:

  • The vessel: This one is baked in a single loaf pan as opposed to two 1-quart Pyrex bowls. You can use an 8.5×4.5-inch pan or a 9×5-inch pan. I prefer the 8.5×4.5-inch pan for this one because it creates a slightly taller loaf.
  • Quantity of flour: I increased the flour by 1/4 cup just to make a slightly loftier loaf in the loaf pan. I have not adjusted the amount of water to compensate for the extra flour, and I do not think the small amount of added flour adversely affects the texture of the bread.
  • Toasting the seeds: I don’t do it! Doesn’t seem necessary. 
  • Oil: I’ve reduced it. I now use just 1 tablespoon of oil in the dough itself and an additional tablespoon for coating the loaf after the first rise.

Yeast:

  • Yeast: SAF Instant Yeast is my preference. I store it in my fridge or freezer, and it lasts forever. The beauty of instant yeast is that there is no need to “proof” it — you can add the yeast directly to the flour. I never use active-dry yeast anymore.
  • To use active-dry yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar into the water. Sprinkle the yeast over top. There is no need to stir it up. Let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes or until the mixture is foamy and/or bubbling, then proceed. 

Final note: As noted in the post above, the seeds do not stay as glued to the loaf as I would like. If I come up with a better way to make the seeds stay adhered, I’ll report back, but in the meantime, you can save those toasty seeds and throw them into a salad or toss them over roasted vegetables.


Ingredients

  • 3.25 cups (416 g) unbleached bread or all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons (5 grams) kosher salt
  • 1.5 teaspoons (7 grams) sugar
  • 1.5 teaspoons (5 grams) instant yeast
  • ¼ cup (40 g) sunflower seeds
  • ¼ cup (40 g) pumpkin seeds
  • ¼ cup (35 g) sesame seeds
  • 1.5 cups (340 grams) lukewarm water
  • 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • Softened unsalted butter, for greasing
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup seeds, optional, for coating the pan: I mix another 1/4 cup each of sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Add the seeds and whisk to combine. Add the water, followed by 1 tablespoon of the oil. Using a rubber spatula, mix until the liquid is absorbed and the ingredients form a sticky dough ball. You may have to knead briefly with your hands to get it to form a dough ball.
  2. Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel or a cloth bowl cover or plastic wrap and set aside in a warm spot to rise for 2 to 3 hours, until the dough has doubled in volume.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Grease an 8.5- x 4.5-inch (or 9×5-inch) loaf pan generously with softened butter. Pour the remaining 3/4 cup seeds into the loaf pan, if using, and turn the pan so that the seeds coat the pan on all sides. Pour out the remaining seeds and set aside. 
  4. When the dough has doubled, drizzle the tablespoon of olive oil over the top and use your hand to rub the oil over the surface to coat. Use your hand again to release the dough from the sides of the bowl, then flip the ball over so that the oil side is down. Roll the dough into a coil or into a loaf shape, then transfer to your prepared pan seam side down. Pour the reserved seeds over the top — you may not need all of them — then spread with your hand or shake the pan to distribute them.
  5. Let the dough rise on the countertop (preferably in a warm, draft-free spot) for 45 minutes to an hour or until the dough has risen significantly in the pan — it should be doming above the rim of the pan by about one inch. See photos for reference.  
  6. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is evenly browned. Remove the pan from the oven and turn the loaf out onto a cooling rack. Let the loaf cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
  • Prep Time: 5 hours
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American