Easy Artisan Bread Recipe
Recipe Overview
Overview
This artisan bread recipe is a delightful introduction to bread-making, especially for those intimidated by the process. With just a few ingredients—bread flour, yeast, salt, and water—you can create a loaf that rivals any bakery’s offering. The key is in the technique: mixing the ingredients until they come together, allowing the dough to rise, and then baking it in a preheated Dutch oven to achieve that perfect crust.
One of the standout features of this recipe is the flexibility it offers. You can choose to let the dough rise overnight in the fridge, which not only saves time but also enhances the flavor of the bread. The result is a beautifully crusty exterior with a soft, chewy interior that’s perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoying with butter.
As you work through the steps, you’ll find that the process is quite forgiving. The dough may seem dry at first, but with a little patience, it will come together beautifully. And if you’re feeling adventurous, adding ingredients like rosemary or olives can elevate your bread to a whole new level.
Overall, this recipe is not just about making bread; it’s about enjoying the process and the satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete novice, this artisan bread will surely impress.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Grab a big bowl for mixing the ingredients.
Add 3 and 3/4 cups (450 G) of bread flour to the bowl.
Tip: Using bread flour gives a better chew due to its higher protein content.
Add one packet or 2 and 1/4 teaspoons of instant yeast.
Add 1 and 3/4 teaspoons of kosher salt to the mixture.
Stir the dry ingredients together with a wooden spoon.
Pour in 1 and 1/2 cups of warm water (about 120°) while stirring.
Stir and smush the dough to hydrate the flour.
Tip: You can add extra flavorings like herbs or olives to enhance the bread.
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours or refrigerate overnight.
Preheat the oven to 450° F.
Tip: Using a dark Dutch oven helps achieve a better crust without scorching.
Place a Dutch oven in the oven for half an hour to heat.
Take the dough out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.
Flip and rotate the dough in the bowl to shape it.
Transfer the shaped dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Cover the dough and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Tip: Letting the dough rest allows the gluten to relax, improving the texture.
Cut a 1/4 inch deep slit over the top of the dough.
Tip: A sharp knife or utility knife works well for scoring the dough.
Carefully place the dough into the hot Dutch oven.
Bake the bread at 450° F for half an hour with the lid on.
Remove the lid and continue baking until golden brown for an additional 13 to 17 minutes.
Tip: Baking with the lid on helps create steam for a better crust.
Let the bread cool for a few minutes before removing it from the pot.
Slice the bread once it has cooled.
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour gives the bread a better chew.
- •Letting the dough rise in the fridge overnight enhances its flavor.
- •A hot Dutch oven creates steam, resulting in a crusty bread.
- •You can add herbs or olives to the dough for extra flavor.
