This homemade artisan bread is a simple and rewarding recipe that yields a crusty exterior and a soft, chewy interior. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious loaf that is perfect for sandwiches or served alongside soups and salads.
The process involves mixing, resting, and baking, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. You can easily customize the bread by adding herbs, seeds, or cheese to enhance the flavor.
Artisan Bread Overview
Creating a loaf of artisan bread is a fulfilling experience that brings the warmth of homemade baking into your kitchen.
With its golden crust and soft, airy interior, this bread is not just a staple; it’s a centerpiece for any meal.
The rustic appearance adds charm, making it perfect for gatherings or quiet dinners at home.
Ingredients for Success
To achieve that perfect loaf, a few simple ingredients are essential.
The combination of all-purpose flour, warm water, salt, and instant yeast forms the foundation of this recipe.
Each component plays a vital role in developing the bread’s texture and flavor, ensuring a delightful outcome.
The Baking Process
The process begins with mixing the ingredients to form a shaggy dough.
Allowing the dough to rest is crucial; this is when it rises and develops its airy structure.
After the first rise, shaping the dough requires a gentle touch to maintain its volume, followed by a second rise that prepares it for baking.
Creating the Perfect Crust
Preheating the oven is a key step in achieving that desirable crust.
Using a Dutch oven traps steam, which helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy.
Baking with the lid on initially allows the bread to rise fully before revealing its crusty surface.
Serving Suggestions
Once the bread has cooled, it’s ready to be sliced and served.
Pairing it with olive oil and fresh herbs enhances the experience, inviting everyone to enjoy a slice.
This bread complements a variety of dishes, from soups to salads, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Storing and Enjoying Your Bread
To maintain freshness, store the bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a kitchen towel.
This keeps the crust crispy while preventing the inside from drying out.
Enjoying it fresh is ideal, but toasting slices the next day can bring back that delightful crunch.
Easy Homemade Bread Recipe
This artisan bread features a blend of flour, water, yeast, and salt, resulting in a flavorful loaf with a crispy crust. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and yields one large loaf.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Add the warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rest at room temperature for 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently shape the dough into a ball, being careful not to deflate it too much.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on a floured surface, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: About 20 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven or baking stone inside to heat.
- Bake the Bread: Carefully transfer the dough into the preheated Dutch oven, cover it with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your homemade bread fresh or toasted.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g