Artisan Bread Recipe
There’s something truly magical about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. It’s the kind of aroma that wraps around you like a warm hug, creating a comforting atmosphere that beckons everyone to gather around the kitchen. Yet, the thought of making that beautiful loaf yourself can feel daunting. What if the bread doesn’t rise? What if it’s too dense? Deep breaths, my friend. This Artisan Bread Recipe is here to ease those fears. With simple ingredients and a little love, you’ll create a golden crust and soft, airy center that will make your heart sing.
Why You’ll Love This Artisan Bread Recipe
Everyday Frustrations
We all have those busy days when the last thing on our minds is baking. Yet, we crave that comforting taste of homemade bread. What if I told you that whipping up a delightful loaf doesn’t require hours of labor or complicated techniques? This Artisan Bread Recipe transforms a mundane day into an extraordinary one with minimal effort. Many find themselves intimidated at the thought of relying on store-bought bread, worrying about preservatives and ingredients we can’t pronounce. Fear not! Bread made from scratch has a soul that store-bought can’t replicate.
The Joy of Homemade
When you dive into this Artisan Bread Recipe, you’ll find fulfillment not just in the freshly baked loaf but in the experience itself. The joy of pulling that steamy bread from the oven will warm your heart, and the moment it cools, you’ll be savoring each crusty slice spread with butter or paired with a hearty soup like Creamy Tortellini Soup. Picture yourself enjoying a slice at the dinner table, surrounded by laughter and stories.
Ingredients Breakdown & Prep Tips
Ingredient List with Suggestions
Let’s gather our ingredients—a ritual that sets the stage for your baking adventure. Here’s what you’ll need for our Artisan Bread Recipe:
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| 7 g (2 tsp) instant yeast | |
| 5 g (1 tsp) sugar (caster or superfine) | |
| 300 ml (1.25 cups) warm water | Slightly warmer than lukewarm, but not hot. |
| 450 g (3.75 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour | PLUS 1/2 cup (60g) for dusting and shaping the bread. |
| 8.5 g (1 1/2 tsp) salt | Regular table salt/Kosher salt. |
Prep Method with Sensory Cues
- Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of your stand mixer or a large bowl, add the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and watch as the yeast begins to foam and dance, a little miracle of nature right before your eyes.
- Mix it Up: Add the flour and salt to the bubbly mixture. Using the dough hook on your mixer, or your hands if you prefer, combine everything until you have a shaggy dough. It might feel sticky—that’s perfectly okay!
- Kneading Time: If you’re using a mixer, knead on a medium setting for 10 minutes. If you’re kneading by hand, sprinkle some olive oil on your work surface and hands to ease the stickiness. Knead away for the same amount of time until your dough feels smooth and elastic.
- First Proving: Lightly grease a bowl with oil, placing your kneaded dough inside. Cover it with cling film or a wax wrap and allow it to rise in a warm, cozy spot for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size.
- Shape with Care: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle your work surface with a bit of flour and gently tip the dough out. This is where the magic starts—gently pull pieces of the dough from the edge toward the center, creating a round shape without deflating all its air. Don’t rush, enjoy the process!
- Second Prove: Place your dough seam-side down in a floured proving basket or bowl, cover it, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Heat Up: While the dough proves, place a Dutch oven in your oven and preheat to 230°C (450°F). The anticipation is building, and that’s half the fun!
- Bake It Perfect: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven. Gently tip the proving basket upside down, letting the dough land on a piece of parchment paper. Use the parchment to lower the dough into the Dutch oven, cover it with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until beautifully golden brown.
- Cooling Down: Once it’s done baking, remove the Dutch oven from the oven and let the bread cool on a rack. Resist the temptation to slice it right away—allowing it to cool properly will help retain its perfect texture!
Ah, the joy of pulling that bread apart when you finally get to slice it, revealing the soft, pillowy inside—a true feast for the senses. If you’re looking for a delightful soup to pair with it, consider this Beef Stroganoff Recipe for a complete family meal.
Avoid These Mistakes
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Skipping the Kneading: If you skip this step, your bread may turn out dense. Give it time, and feel that dough transform!
Incorrect Yeast Activation: Ensure your water is warm but not hot; too hot can kill the yeast. Trust your senses and feel!
Overworking the Dough: Be gentle when shaping. Keep that precious air intact, as it’s what creates the beautiful texture.
Pro Tips to Get It Right
Use Quality Ingredients: Flour may be less than ideal for bread if it’s too old. Fresh ingredients matter in every bite.
Practice Patience: Bread baking requires love and patience. Allow the dough to rise properly—it’s worth the wait!
For a bonus treat, try the Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe on a gloomy day to lift your spirits!
Serving, Storage & Creative Variations
Best Ways to Serve It
This Artisan Bread Recipe is perfect for indulging on a cozy evening, celebrating with family, or even as part of a holiday feast. Picture it served warm alongside a creamy Butternut Squash Soup, earthy dips, or sweet jams. You can even slice it thin for delicious bruschetta topped with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil—heaven!
Storage + Seasonal or Dietary Variations
Store any leftover bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze slices in a resealable plastic bag for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the toaster for a quick refresh!
You don’t have to stick to classic white bread—experiment with this dough by adding herbs, garlic, or cheese to change things up for different seasons.
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Just keep in mind that whole wheat flour absorbs more water, so you may need to adjust the liquid accordingly.
Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix and knead it by hand, just make sure you’ve got enough elbow grease.
How do I know when my bread is done?
The crust should be a deep golden brown, and tapping the bottom of the loaf should produce a hollow sound.
What if my bread doesn’t rise?
Your yeast may be old or your water too hot. Always trust your senses and give time to rise fully.
Conclusion
This Artisan Bread Recipe is not just a feast for the stomach; it’s food filled with warmth, patience, and love. Every loaf baked can create memories rich with laughter and connection. If this dish brings back a memory, pass it on. Someone you love might need it today. If you’re in need of more comforting dishes, try making a delightful Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup as well. Happy baking!
Artisan Bread
Ingredients
Method
- In the bowl of your stand mixer or a large bowl, add the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast begins to foam.
- Add the flour and salt to the bubbly mixture. Combine everything until you have a shaggy dough.
- Knead on a medium setting for 10 minutes using a mixer or by hand until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
- Lightly grease a bowl with oil, place your kneaded dough inside, cover it, and let it rise in a warm, cozy spot for about an hour.
- Once the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on your work surface and gently tip the dough out. Shape it by pulling pieces of the dough toward the center.
- Place the dough seam-side down in a floured proving basket or bowl, cover it, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F) with a Dutch oven inside.
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven, tip the proving basket upside down onto a piece of parchment paper, and lower the dough into the Dutch oven. Cover it and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Once baked, let the bread cool on a rack before slicing.