This easy artisan bread recipe requires just four basic ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast. It’s perfect for beginners who want to bake fresh bread at home without complicated techniques.
The process is straightforward and yields a crusty, flavorful loaf that pairs well with any meal. You can enjoy it fresh out of the oven or use it for sandwiches and toast.
Artisan Bread: A Rustic Delight
There’s something special about a freshly baked artisan bread loaf. The golden-brown crust, with its rustic cracks, speaks to the homemade charm that many seek in their baking endeavors.
This bread not only looks appealing but also offers a delightful texture and flavor that elevates any meal. Whether served alongside a hearty soup or used for sandwiches, its versatility is unmatched.
As you slice into the loaf, the soft, chewy interior reveals itself, inviting you to enjoy its warmth and aroma. The simple act of breaking bread becomes a moment of joy and satisfaction.
Simple Ingredients for a Flavorful Loaf
Creating this artisan bread requires just four basic ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast.
These staples come together to form a dough that is easy to handle, making it perfect for beginners. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors to shine through, resulting in a bread that is both satisfying and wholesome.
With minimal effort, you can achieve a crusty exterior and a tender crumb, showcasing the beauty of homemade bread.
The Baking Process: From Dough to Loaf
The process of making artisan bread is straightforward, taking about three hours from start to finish, including rising time.
Begin by mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl, then add warm water to form a shaggy dough. After a two-hour rise, the dough doubles in size, ready for shaping.
After shaping the dough into a round loaf, a second rise of thirty minutes prepares it for baking, allowing it to develop even more flavor and texture.
Perfecting the Crust
Achieving the perfect crust is essential for artisan bread. Preheating your oven to a high temperature, along with using a Dutch oven, creates an ideal baking environment.
The steam generated in the pot helps to develop a crispy crust while keeping the interior moist and chewy.
After thirty minutes of covered baking, removing the lid allows the crust to brown beautifully, resulting in a loaf that is visually stunning and delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Once your artisan bread has cooled, it’s time to enjoy it.
Slice it with a serrated knife, revealing the soft interior, and serve it with a small bowl of olive oil for dipping. This simple addition enhances the bread’s flavor and makes for a delightful appetizer or side dish.
Whether enjoyed plain or with toppings, this artisan bread is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Nutrition and Enjoyment
This artisan bread not only satisfies the palate but also offers nutritional benefits.
With approximately 120 calories per slice, it provides a good source of carbohydrates and protein, making it a wholesome addition to any meal.
Enjoying homemade bread brings a sense of accomplishment and joy, making each slice a reminder of the love and effort put into its creation.
Quick and Easy Artisan Bread
This artisan bread features a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and 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 Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add Water: Pour in the warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Ensure all the flour is incorporated.
- 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. Shape it into a round loaf by folding the edges toward the center.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on a floured piece of parchment paper. Cover it with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: About 20 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven (with the lid) inside to heat up.
- 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.
- 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: Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g