Artisan Bread

Why Make This Recipe

Artisan bread is beloved for its crusty exterior and soft, chewy interior. Making your own allows you to enjoy the fresh scent of baking bread right in your home. Plus, it’s a simple recipe that requires minimal ingredients and time. This bread doesn’t need any special skills or equipment, making it perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

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How to Make Artisan Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir in the warm water until a shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours.
2. After the dough has risen and bubbles form on the surface, flour a work surface and turn the dough out onto it. With floured hands, shape the dough into a ball and let it rest for about 15 minutes.
3. While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven (with the lid) inside to heat.
4. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Place the dough inside (you can use parchment paper to make this easier), cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and crusty.
6. Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.

How to Serve Artisan Bread

Artisan bread is versatile and can be served in many ways. It’s delicious with butter or olive oil for dipping. You can also use it to make sandwiches or serve it alongside soups and salads. For a special treat, toast slices and top them with garlic and herbs.

How to Store Artisan Bread

To keep artisan bread fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, slice the bread and place it in a plastic bag or wrap it tightly in foil, then store it in the freezer. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Just toast or warm the slices when you are ready to enjoy them again.

Tips to Make Artisan Bread

• Make sure the water is warm, but not too hot, to activate the yeast properly.
• Be patient during the resting period; this allows the flavors to develop and gives the bread its texture.
• Use a Dutch oven for the best crust, but you can use any oven-safe pot with a lid if needed.

Variation

Feel free to customize your artisan bread by adding ingredients like herbs, cheese, or dried fruits to the dough before the resting period. This can give your bread a unique flavor and texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?
Yes, you can use any oven-safe pot with a lid or a baking stone if you don’t have a Dutch oven.

2. How can I tell if my bread is cooked?
The bread should be golden brown on the outside and sound hollow when you tap the bottom. The internal temperature should reach around 200°F (93°C).

3. What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, check if your yeast is still active. You can do this by mixing it with warm water and a little sugar. If it bubbles after a few minutes, it’s good to use. If not, try using fresh yeast.

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