Homemade Artisan Bread – The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need
This homemade artisan bread is soft on the inside with a beautifully crisp crust, making it the perfect addition to any meal. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can bake a fresh loaf that tastes even better than store-bought bread. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is foolproof and will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 1 hour:
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups (320 g) bread flour
- ¾ cup + 2 tbsp (210 ml) water
- 1 tsp (3 g) brewer’s yeast or ½ tsp (2 g) dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
-
Prepare the Yeast
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in lukewarm water.
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.
-
Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the activated yeast mixture while stirring.
- Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
-
Let the Dough Rise
- Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rest in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
-
Shape and Bake
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F).
- Shape the dough into a loaf or rolls and place it on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown with a crispy crust.
-
Cool and Serve
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
Notes
- For a crispier crust: Place a small dish of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
- Flour substitution: You can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly softer.
- Storing the bread: Keep in a paper bag or wrap in a clean kitchen towel to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Slice and freeze for up to 2 months. Toast or reheat in the oven before serving.