Artisan Bread

Artisan Bread: A Perfect Homemade Loaf

Fresh, warm, and delicious artisan bread is a treat that elevates any meal. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a novice, this recipe will guide you through making a crusty, flavorful loaf right in your own kitchen. Follow these easy steps for a bakery-quality bread with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 3 cups (395 grams) all-purpose flour or bread flour
• ½ tablespoon Kosher salt
• ¼ ounce instant or active dry yeast packet (or 2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 1 ½ cups warm water (105°F)

Directions

Make the Dough

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and yeast together. Make a well in the center and pour in the warm water (around 105°F). It’s crucial that the water isn’t too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
2. Mix: Use a dough whisk, spatula, wooden spoon, or your hands to mix the ingredients until combined. The dough should be somewhat wet and sticky. If it’s too sticky to handle, sprinkle in a little more flour.
3. Let it Rise: Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap sprayed with nonstick spray. Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 2-10 hours. For more developed flavors, leave it on the counter overnight. The longer the rise, the richer the flavor.

Shape the Dough

1. Prepare Surface: Lightly flour a clean surface and wet your hands to handle the dough. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface. Note that the dough will be sticky.
2. Shape: Without punching, kneading, or rolling, gently pull the edges of the dough towards the center to shape it. You can form it into a French boule (a round shape) or divide it into two loaves and tuck the ends under.
3. Pre-Rise: Place the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Lightly dust the top with flour and use a bread knife to score 1-4 lines across the top. Let the dough rest for about 20-30 minutes.

Bake the Bread

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 450°F. Place a baking stone, pizza stone, Dutch oven, or iron skillet in the oven to preheat.
2. Bake: Transfer the dough (with parchment paper) onto the hot stone or pan. For a crispier crust, add 1 cup of hot water to a small broiler pan or place 5 ice cubes in the bottom of the oven and shut the door quickly to trap the steam.
3. Cook: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is a deep golden brown. Allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
4. Serve: Slice and serve the bread fresh. Store any leftovers in a paper bag to prevent it from becoming too soft.

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus rising time)
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes (varies with rising time)
• Calories: 160 kcal per slice
• Servings: 12 slices

Enjoy the process of baking this artisan bread and relish the aroma that fills your kitchen. Whether paired with a hearty stew or enjoyed with a simple spread of butter, this bread is sure to impress. Happy baking!

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