Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe

Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast.
   • Gradually add the warm water, stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
   • The dough will be sticky, but that’s normal.
2. First Rise:
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel.
   • Let the dough rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. The dough is ready when its surface is dotted with bubbles and it has doubled in size.
3. Shape the Dough:
   • Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface.
   • Dust your hands with flour and gently shape the dough into a ball. Avoid kneading the dough too much.
   • If the dough is very sticky, you can use a bench scraper to help fold the dough.
4. Second Rise:
   • Place the dough seam-side down on a piece of parchment paper.
   • Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for about 1-2 hours. It should rise and be slightly puffy.
5. Preheat the Oven:
   • Place a Dutch oven (with the lid) in your oven and preheat it to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes before baking.
   • If you don’t have a Dutch oven, you can use a heavy-duty oven-safe pot with a lid.
6. Bake the Bread:
   • Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven.
   • Using the parchment paper, lift the dough and place it into the Dutch oven.
   • Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and place it back in the oven.
   • Bake for 30 minutes covered.
   • Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crusty.
7. Cool the Bread:
   • Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for Perfect Artisan Bread:

• Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. Expired yeast may result in a dough that doesn’t rise properly.
• Hydration: The dough should be sticky and wet. This high hydration helps to create a chewy and airy crumb.
• Long Rise Time: A slow rise at room temperature allows for better flavor development.
• Hot Oven and Dutch Oven: Baking in a preheated Dutch oven traps steam, which helps to create a crispy crust.

Enjoy your homemade artisan bread with butter, as a sandwich, or alongside your favorite soup or salad. This recipe is perfect for beginners and yields a deliciously rustic loaf with a chewy interior and crispy crust.