There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. My journey into bread-making began with a quest for simplicity, and I stumbled upon a recipe that not only demystifies the art of baking but also delivers a rustic loaf that’s both satisfying and delicious. From the first time I tried this recipe, I knew it was destined to be a staple in my kitchen. The incredible thing about this bread is its ease of preparation, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, no matter the occasion.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This recipe truly deserves a spot in your collection for several reasons. First off, it’s astonishingly easy and requires minimal ingredients. With just flour, yeast, salt, and water, you can create a delightful loaf that’s crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a base for family brunch spreads, this bread impresses without demanding hours of effort.

"I’ve tried countless bread recipes, but this one is my go-to. The texture and flavor are unbeatable for such a simple process!" – Emily R., avid home baker

Additionally, it’s budget-friendly and can easily feed a family or guests. The long fermentation process enhances the flavor while requiring minimal hands-on time, allowing you to multitask and still achieve that artisanal bread experience at home.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Baking bread doesn’t have to be intimidating. This guide breaks down the method into straightforward steps, so you can follow along without any fuss. Here’s a brief overview: you’ll mix the dough ingredients, let them rise until bubbly, and then bake in a preheated Dutch oven. The result? A crusty loaf that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy bakery!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients for your artisan loaf:

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3 cups (450g) flour (either bread or all-purpose)
2 tsp instant or rapid rise yeast
2 tsp kosher or cooking salt (avoid table salt)
1 ½ cups (375ml) very warm water (up to 55°C/130°F)
1 ½ tbsp flour (for dusting)

Feel free to play with types of flour or add seeds and herbs for extra flair—your options are endless!

Step-by-Step Directions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
Pour in the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until no dry flour remains. The dough will be sticky.
Cover the bowl with cling wrap or a plate and let the dough rise for 2 to 3 hours at room temperature until it’s doubled in size and very bubbly.
(Optional) If you want to enhance the flavor, refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days.
If refrigerated, let the dough sit out for 45 to 60 minutes before baking.
Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F) with a Dutch oven inside for 30 minutes.
Dust your work surface with 1 tbsp of flour and gently scrape the dough onto it. Sprinkle the top with another ½ tbsp of flour.
Using a dough scraper, fold the dough over itself 6 times to shape it into a rough round.
Flip the dough onto parchment paper, seam-side down. Reshape gently if needed.
Carefully place the dough (with parchment) into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover it with the lid.
Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 12 minutes, or until the bread is deeply golden and crisp.
Allow to cool on a rack for 10 minutes before slicing.

Best Way to Serve

This artisan bread can shine in many settings. Serve it warm with a smear of butter and a sprinkle of sea salt for a simple yet delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with soups, stews, and salads, offering a rustic element to your meal. Alternatively, slice it thin and use it to make gourmet sandwiches. The bread’s texture complements both sweet and savory toppings, making it a versatile sidekick in the kitchen.

Storage Tips

To keep your homemade bread fresh longer, store it in a bread box or a paper bag at room temperature. Avoid plastic, as it can lead to a soggy loaf. For longer storage, slice the bread and place it in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. When you want to enjoy it, simply toast the slices directly from the freezer or let them thaw at room temperature.

Helpful Hints

Knead with Care: Don’t over-knead; this dough thrives on minimal handling. Just enough folds to shape it will do.
Flavor Boost: If you have extra time, let the dough ferment longer. The longer it sits, the more flavor it develops.
Watch Your Water: Ensure your water temperature is warm but not too hot; it should be comfortable to touch. Hot water can kill the yeast.

Creative Twists

Want to shake things up? Try incorporating different flavors into the dough! Add herbs like rosemary or thyme, mix in seeds like sesame or poppy, or fold in nuts and dried fruit for a sweeter bread. You can also experiment with different types of flour—whole wheat or rye can add a unique taste and texture.

Common questions

How long does it take to make this bread?

From start to finish, it typically takes 2 to 3 hours, plus time for any desired refrigeration. The actual hands-on time is minimal!

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you will need to activate active dry yeast in warm water for about 5-10 minutes before adding it to the flour mixture.

How do I know when the bread is done?

The bread should be a deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If it’s not quite there, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

With this guide in hand, you’re now ready to embark on your bread-making journey. Enjoy the process and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen! Happy baking!

Rustic Artisan Bread

Total Time: 57 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A simple yet satisfying artisan bread recipe that produces a crusty loaf with a soft inside, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups (450g) flour (either bread or all-purpose)
2 tsp instant or rapid rise yeast
2 tsp kosher or cooking salt
1 ½ cups (375ml) very warm water (up to 55°C/130°F)
1 ½ tbsp flour (for dusting)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
Pour in the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until no dry flour remains. The dough will be sticky.
Cover the bowl with cling wrap or a plate and let the dough rise for 2 to 3 hours at room temperature until it’s doubled in size and very bubbly.
(Optional) If you want to enhance the flavor, refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days.
If refrigerated, let the dough sit out for 45 to 60 minutes before baking.
Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F) with a Dutch oven inside for 30 minutes.
Dust your work surface with 1 tbsp of flour and gently scrape the dough onto it. Sprinkle the top with another ½ tbsp of flour.
Using a dough scraper, fold the dough over itself 6 times to shape it into a rough round.
Flip the dough onto parchment paper, seam-side down. Reshape gently if needed.
Carefully place the dough (with parchment) into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover it with the lid.
Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on, then remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 12 minutes, or until the bread is deeply golden and crisp.
Allow to cool on a rack for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

To keep bread fresh, store it in a bread box or paper bag at room temperature. For longer storage, slice and freeze it.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 42 minutes
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Global

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 150
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: bread, artisan bread, baking, easy bread recipe, homemade bread

The World’s Easiest Yeast Bread: A Beginner’s Guide to Artisan Baking