Easy Artisan Bread Recipe

This easy artisan bread recipe and it only takes four basic ingredients. New to baking bread? This is a great way to begin.

I LOVE homemade bread and for good reason. However, I haven’t mastered sourdough bread yet or quite frankly, even given it a try. This bread recipe comes together so effortlessly. If you are tiered of store-bought bread filled with a list of mystery ingredients and preservatives; you must give this a try.

This loaf is crusty, chewy, inexpensive to make and no-kneading necessary. Have I got you ready to give this a try?

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Why you Need to Make this Easy Artisan Bread

Homemade bread allows you to skip the preservatives, added ingredients and sugars found in many store-bought loaves Plus, it’s budget-friendly! One analysis found that a family of five could save approximately $474 annually by switching to homemade bread.

This easy bread recipe requires only about 5 minutes of hands-on time! The secret? Extended fermentation. This allows the dough to develop flavor and structure naturally, meaning you can mix it up in the morning or evening, let it rest, and bake whenever you have time.

Ingredients for this Easy Artisan Bread Recipe

The beauty of this easy bread recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need four ingredients with a 5th optional ingredient:

• Flour: All-purpose or bread flour will work. Bread flour (12-14% protein) will give you a chewier texture, while all-purpose (10-12% protein) results in a softer crumb
• Warm Water: Warm water (around 110-130°F) activates the yeast
• Instant Yeast: Instant yeast is best for this recipe
• Salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens the gluten
• Sugar: (optional) Helps the yeast and also adds a depth to the flavor but not sweet

NOTE: I use Bob’s Red Mill Artisan Bread Flour but feel free to experiment

Tools Needed to Make this Bread

You don’t need fancy equipment for this easy bread recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Mixing Bowl: Big enough for the dough to rise
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For mixing
• Measuring Cups: For measuring the flour
• Kitchen Scale: For very accurate measurements (highly recommended!)
• Dutch Oven or Cast Iron Casserole with Lid: Creates a steamy environment for a perfect crust
• Parchment Paper: Makes transferring the dough easier

Easy Artisan Bread Add-Ins

Want to take your artisan bread to the next level? Try these simple add-ins:

• Herbs: Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, or Basil can add a delicious flavor
• Rosemary and Garlic: A classic combination
• Cheese: Parmesan, cheddar, or Gruyere add richness and flavor
• Seeds: Sunflower, pumpkin, or sesame seeds add texture and nutrition

Feel free to experiment. I have made this bread with 3tsps or Rosemary and several sliced cloves of garlic and the flavor is so good.

How to Store this Bread

Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade bread fresh.

• Room Temperature: Store in a breathable linen bread bag for up to 5 days
• Freezing: Slice and freeze for longer storage. Thaw slices in the toaster for a quick and easy treat. Avoid storing bread in the refrigerator, as it accelerates staling.

NOTE: I like to eat this bread within three days but can last up to five.

Baking Notes

1. If you do not have a dutch oven; not to worry. You can use a 9×5 loaf pan. After you have stretched and folded the bread simply shape the dough into a loaf. Place the bread in a greased pan and let sit covered for 30minutes while preheating the oven. After 30minutes, score the bread. Tent foil or cover the loaf pan with another inverted loaf pan and bake.
2. You may also bake this bread on a cookie sheet. After the dough has risen, add the dough to a floured surface and divide the dough in half. Form into two balls and then stretch and fold each loaf. Add parchment paper to the cookie sheet, cover with plastic wrap for 30 minutes while oven preheats. Score each loaf with a knife and bake for around 20 minutes.

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