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No-Knead Cranberry Wild Rice Bread

This No-Knead Cranberry Wild Rice Bread combines the nuttiness of wild rice with the tart sweetness of cranberries, creating a delicious loaf that's easy to make and perfect for any meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Bread, Side
Cuisine: American
Calories: 130
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bread Ingredients
  • 3 cups bread flour Provides structure and chewiness.
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar Adds sweetness for balance.
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt Essential for flavor enhancement.
  • 1 tsp active dry yeast Helps the dough rise.
  • 1 1/2 cups room temperature water To form the dough.
  • 3/4 cup cooked wild rice, cooled Adds texture and nutty flavor.
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries Provides sweetness.
Optional Toppings
  • 1 beaten egg white beaten egg white For topping to add shine.
  • 1/4 cup pepitas For added texture.

Method
 

Cooking Wild Rice
  1. In a saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups of salted water to a boil. Add 1/3 cup of wild rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 35-40 minutes until tender. Once cooked, drain and let it cool.
Preparing Dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, brown sugar, kosher salt, and yeast. Gradually stir in the water until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
  2. Cover the bowl and place it in a warm spot to rise for 12-24 hours, until doubled in size.
Incorporating Additions
  1. After the dough has risen, gently fold in the cooled wild rice and dried cranberries.
  2. Shape the dough into a ball and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow it to rise again for an additional 45-60 minutes.
Baking the Bread
  1. While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Brush the surface of the dough with egg white if desired and sprinkle with pepitas.
  3. Once preheated, place the dough in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Cooling and Storing
  1. Transfer the loaf to a wire rack and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
  2. Store any leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Notes

For a nuttier flavor, add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds. Experiment with different dried fruits for variety. For a crustier texture, add a pan of water to the oven while baking. Optionally, let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight for a pronounced flavor.