This homemade artisan bread recipe yields a crusty, golden loaf with a soft, chewy interior. Perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or enjoying with butter, this bread is simple to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The process involves mixing, resting, and baking, allowing you to create delicious bread right in your own kitchen.
Artisan Bread: A Rustic Delight
There’s something truly special about a freshly baked artisan bread loaf. The golden crust, with its inviting aroma, beckons from the kitchen, promising warmth and comfort.
This bread is not just food; it’s an experience. The moment you slice into it, the soft, airy interior reveals itself, showcasing the craftsmanship that went into its creation.
Paired with fresh herbs and a bowl of olive oil, this presentation creates a rustic charm that enhances any meal or gathering.
Ingredients That Matter
Creating artisan bread requires just a few simple ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt.
The quality of these ingredients can significantly impact the final product. Opt for high-quality flour and fresh yeast to ensure the best results.
Each component plays a vital role in developing the flavor and texture of the bread, making it essential to choose wisely.
The Art of Mixing and Rising
The process begins with mixing the ingredients. Combine flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl, then add warm water.
Stir until a shaggy dough forms, signaling the start of your bread-making journey.
Cover the bowl and let it rise at room temperature for about two hours. This first rise is crucial, allowing the dough to double in size and develop its unique flavor profile.
Shaping and Second Rise
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it. Turn it out onto a floured surface, gently forming it into a ball.
Be careful not to deflate it too much; this step is vital for maintaining the airy texture.
After shaping, let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise helps create a light and fluffy loaf that is a joy to slice into.
Baking to Perfection
As the dough completes its second rise, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Place a Dutch oven or heavy pot inside to heat up. This method mimics a professional bread oven, trapping steam and ensuring a crispy crust.
Carefully transfer the dough into the hot pot, cover it, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid for the final 15-20 minutes to achieve that beautiful golden color.
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, allow the bread to cool on a wire rack. This step is important; slicing too soon can result in a gummy texture.
After cooling, slice your artisan bread and serve it with fresh herbs and olive oil for dipping.
This simple yet delightful combination enhances the bread’s flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal or a standalone treat.
Easy Artisan Bread Recipe
This artisan bread features a crispy crust and a tender crumb, made with just flour, water, yeast, and salt. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including resting time, and yields one large loaf.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast. Add warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: After rising, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently shape it into a ball, being careful not to deflate it too much.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on a floured surface or parchment paper. Cover it with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven or heavy pot inside to heat.
- Bake the Bread: Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Transfer the dough into the pot (you can use parchment paper for easier handling). Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g