This homemade artisan bread is a simple yet rewarding recipe that yields a crusty exterior and a soft, airy interior. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious loaf that is perfect for sandwiches or as a side to your meals.
The process involves minimal hands-on time, allowing the dough to rise slowly for enhanced flavor and texture. This recipe is great for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Artisan Bread: A Rustic Delight
There’s something truly special about a freshly baked artisan bread loaf. The golden-brown crust, with its rustic appearance and charming cracks, beckons you to slice into it.
As steam gently rises from the loaf, it fills the air with an inviting aroma that promises warmth and comfort.
Whether served as a side dish or the centerpiece of a meal, this bread is sure to impress anyone who has the pleasure of tasting it.
The Simplicity of Ingredients
Creating artisan bread at home requires just a handful of basic ingredients.
All-purpose flour, water, salt, and instant yeast come together to form a dough that is both simple and satisfying.
This minimalist approach allows the natural flavors to shine through, making each bite a delightful experience.
The Art of Rising
The magic of artisan bread lies in its slow rising process.
By allowing the dough to rise for an extended period, you enhance the flavor and texture, resulting in a loaf that is airy yet crusty.
This method requires minimal hands-on time, making it accessible for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
Shaping and Baking
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into a ball.
This gentle handling helps maintain the airiness of the dough while preparing it for its second rise.
After a brief resting period, the dough is placed on parchment paper, ready to be transformed in the oven.
The Perfect Bake
Baking artisan bread in a preheated Dutch oven creates a steamy environment that is ideal for developing a beautifully crusty exterior.
As the bread bakes, the aroma fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist the temptation to slice into it right away.
Once golden brown, the loaf is removed from the oven and allowed to cool, ensuring a perfect texture for slicing.
Serving Suggestions
To enjoy this artisan bread to its fullest, consider pairing it with a small bowl of olive oil and herbs.
The combination of the warm bread with the rich, flavorful oil creates a delightful dipping experience.
Whether served alongside a meal or enjoyed on its own, this bread is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Easy Homemade Bread Recipe
This artisan bread features a blend of flour, water, yeast, and salt, resulting in a flavorful loaf that requires no kneading. The total time for this recipe is about 24 hours, including rising time, and it makes 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 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 kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours, until the surface is bubbly and the dough has doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: After the first rise, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. With floured hands, gently shape it into a ball. Let it rest for about 15 minutes.
- Second Rise: Place the dough seam side down on a piece of parchment paper. Cover it with a towel and let it rise for another 1-2 hours, until it has puffed up.
- Preheat the Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, place a Dutch oven (with the lid) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C).
- Bake the Bread: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Lift the parchment paper with the dough and place it into the pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the bread is golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the pot and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours
- Servings: 1 large loaf
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 25g