No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread with Olive Oil & Sea Salt

No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread with Olive Oil & Sea Salt

Introduction
Oh friends, I cannot tell you how much joy this No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread brings into my kitchen. It’s rustic, chewy, full of earthy rosemary and bursts of sweet-tart cranberries—all kissed with olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. And the best part? It requires almost no effort. Seriously, you stir, you wait, you bake, and magic happens.

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Overview of Recipe Content

This bread is a true kitchen companion. It’s perfect for:

  • Brunch spreads with cheeses and fruit.
  • Holiday tables (cranberries + rosemary = festive perfection).
  • A cozy weeknight soup sidekick.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Minimal hands-on work—no kneading!
  • Perfectly chewy crust with soft, aromatic crumb.
  • Sweet cranberries paired with savory rosemary for a flavor punch.
  • Stays fresh and flavorful for days.

What It Tastes Like

Imagine a warm loaf with a crackly golden crust, dotted with ruby cranberries that give little pops of sweetness. The rosemary adds a woodsy, herbal fragrance, while olive oil keeps the crumb moist. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt finishes it with that bakery-style touch.

Health & Nutritional Benefits

  • Cranberries provide antioxidants and natural tartness.
  • Olive oil adds healthy fats.
  • Lower yeast and slow rise make it gentle on digestion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ cups warm water
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
  • Flaky sea salt, for topping

Tools Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot with lid
  • Parchment paper

Suggested Substitutions

  • Swap cranberries for dried cherries or raisins.
  • Use thyme instead of rosemary for a gentler flavor.
  • Try half whole wheat flour for more nuttiness.

How to Make No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread

  1. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, stir flour, salt, and yeast. Add warm water and mix until shaggy dough forms. Stir in cranberries and rosemary. Cover with a towel and let rest at room temp for 12–18 hours.
  2. Shape It: After resting, the dough will be bubbly and sticky. Scrape onto floured parchment, shape into a ball, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
  3. Preheat & Bake: Place a Dutch oven in your oven at 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes. Carefully drop the dough (on parchment) inside, cover, and bake 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake 10–15 more until golden.
  4. Cool & Enjoy: Cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

It’s hard not to dive in right away—the rosemary aroma is irresistible!

What to Serve with No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread

This bread is a natural at the table:

  • With butternut squash soup or chicken stew.
  • Toasted and spread with whipped goat cheese and honey.
  • As part of a holiday cheese board.

Tips for Making It Perfect

  • Don’t rush the rise—the longer fermentation gives it that artisan flavor.
  • If your kitchen is chilly, let dough rise in a slightly warmed oven (turned off).
  • Always preheat your Dutch oven—it’s the secret to a crackly crust.

Storage Instructions

  • Store at room temp in a paper bag for 2–3 days.
  • Freeze slices in an airtight bag up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

General Information

This no-knead method was first made popular by Jim Lahey of Sullivan Street Bakery in NYC. It’s a brilliant trick—letting time, not your hands, do the work. Adding rosemary and cranberries gives it a festive, homey twist, perfect for the holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cranberries?
Yes! Just chop them in half and add—though the bread will be slightly more tart.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, but results will be denser.

Do I need a Dutch oven?
No—but it’s ideal. You can also bake on a preheated pizza stone with an oven-safe bowl inverted over it.

Conclusion

This No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread with Olive Oil & Sea Salt is proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most rewarding. Rustic, fragrant, and oh-so-shareable, it deserves a spot in your kitchen year-round.

If you loved this, you might also enjoy:

Interactive Elements

If you bake this bread, I’d love to see it! Leave a review below, or share your loaf on Pinterest (@poulefrecipe) or tag me on Instagram.


Nutritional Information (per slice, 12 servings)

CaloriesCarbsProteinFatFiberSugar
16530g4g3g2g5g
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No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread with Olive Oil & Sea Salt


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  • Author: Poulef
  • Total Time: 960
  • Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This rustic No-Knead Rosemary Cranberry Bread with Olive Oil & Sea Salt is crusty on the outside, soft and fragrant inside, and studded with sweet-tart cranberries and fresh rosemary. It’s bakery-quality bread with almost no effort!


Ingredients

Scale

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ tsp salt

½ tsp active dry yeast

1 ½ cups warm water

¾ cup dried cranberries

1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)

1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for drizzling)

Flaky sea salt, for topping


Instructions

1. In a large bowl, stir together flour, salt, and yeast.

2. Add warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Stir in cranberries and rosemary until evenly distributed.

4. Cover with a towel and let rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours.

5. Scrape dough onto floured parchment, shape into a ball, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

6. Preheat a Dutch oven in the oven at 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes.

7. Carefully place dough (with parchment) into Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 30 minutes.

8. Remove lid and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden brown.

9. Cool at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

This bread works beautifully with other dried fruits like cherries or raisins.

You can swap rosemary for thyme or sage depending on the season.

If your kitchen is cold, place the covered bowl in a turned-off oven with the light on for a gentle rise.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 45
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 165
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 310mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
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26-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set

A versatile set of mixing bowls with airtight lids and non-slip bottoms. Includes 3 grater attachments for added convenience in the kitchen!

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I’m Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!. Let’s be friends!