Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe

Making homemade artisan bread at home is an incredibly rewarding experience. The bread has a crunchy, golden crust and a soft, chewy interior. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can make bakery-style bread that fills your home with the irresistible smell of freshly baked goods.

This no-knead artisan bread requires only basic pantry ingredients and a long resting period for the dough to develop flavor and structure. The results are worth the wait!

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Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for more structure)
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast (or active dry yeast)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for added flavor and moisture)
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, to help activate yeast)

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Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel
• Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot with lid (for baking)
• Parchment paper (optional for easier transfer)

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Method

Step 1: Mix the Dough

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the 3 1/2 cups of flour, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients: Pour the 1 1/2 cups warm water into the dry ingredients. If using honey or sugar, add it now to help activate the yeast. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until everything is just combined into a rough, shaggy dough. The dough should be sticky and wet. If it seems too dry, add a small splash of water.
3. Optional Olive Oil: If you prefer a richer dough, you can add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture, which will make the crumb softer and the flavor a bit richer.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

1. Cover and Rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough sit at room temperature for 12-18 hours (overnight works great). This long rise time allows the yeast to develop flavor and structure.
2. Dough Should Double in Size: After 12-18 hours, the dough will be bubbly, sticky, and have more than doubled in size. The dough should have a slightly uneven texture, but that’s what gives artisan bread its rustic quality.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

1. Prepare the Surface: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Be gentle as you handle the dough so you don’t deflate it too much.
2. Shape the Dough: Lightly fold the dough over itself a few times, creating a rough, round shape. If you’re looking for a more defined loaf, you can fold the sides into the center, then flip the dough over to create tension on the top. This step isn’t about perfection—artisan bread is all about its rustic look!
3. Second Rise: Place the dough seam-side down onto a piece of parchment paper (optional for easier transfer). Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for another 30-60 minutes while you preheat the oven.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat the Dutch Oven: Place a Dutch oven (or any heavy oven-safe pot with a lid) into the oven while it preheats to 450°F (230°C). Let the pot heat for at least 30 minutes to ensure it’s nice and hot.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

1. Transfer the Dough: Carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven from the oven (be sure to use oven mitts!). If using parchment paper, simply lift the dough and place it into the pot. If not using parchment, carefully place the dough directly into the hot pot.
2. Cover and Bake: Cover the pot with its lid and bake the bread for 30 minutes. This will trap the steam and create a beautiful, crispy crust.
3. Uncover and Bake: After 30 minutes, remove the lid from the Dutch oven and continue baking the bread for another 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 6: Cool the Bread

1. Let the Bread Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. Allow it to cool completely before slicing, as the bread will continue to firm up as it cools.

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Notes and Tips

• Flavor Variations: Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic to the dough for added flavor. You can also fold in cheese (like cheddar or Parmesan) or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
• Using Active Dry Yeast: If you don’t have instant yeast, you can substitute with active dry yeast. Just dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water with the honey or sugar and let it sit for 5 minutes to activate before proceeding with the recipe.
• Baking Without a Dutch Oven: If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can bake the bread on a baking sheet. To replicate the steam, place an oven-safe pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking. This will help create a crispy crust.
• Storage: Artisan bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for 2-3 days at room temperature in a bread box or paper bag. To keep it fresher longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months—just slice it before freezing for easier use later.

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Conclusion

Making Homemade Artisan Bread is a satisfying process that yields a delicious, crusty loaf with a soft, chewy interior. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! With just a bit of patience and a few ingredients, you can create your own artisan bread at home, filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. Whether paired with butter, used for sandwiches, or enjoyed on its own, this bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!