Effortless Artisan Bread: A Simple Guide to Baking Fresh Bread at Home
Baking bread from scratch might seem like a daunting task, but with this Effortless Artisan Bread recipe, you can bring the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread into your kitchen without the fuss. This recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers looking to indulge in the simple pleasure of homemade bread. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the ingredients and steps needed to create this delightful bakery staple right at home.
Ingredients:
- Instant Yeast: 2 teaspoons (active or rapid rise will work)
- Sugar: 2 teaspoons
- Warm Water: 1 ½ cups (100° F)
- Bread Flour: 3 cups (360 grams)
- Salt: 2 teaspoons
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Butter: 1 tablespoon for brushing
Directions:
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Cover the bowl with saran wrap and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt to ensure an even distribution.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Use a silicone spatula to mix until the dough becomes fully moistened and sticky.
- First Rise:
- Shape the dough into a rough ball and lightly spray the top with cooking spray. Cover the dough first with saran wrap, then a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Optional Cold Ferment:
- For an enhanced flavor, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 425° F with a Dutch oven inside. While the oven heats, gently fold the dough on a floured parchment paper from the edges toward the center to form a ball. Let it rest for about 45 minutes.
- Baking the Bread:
- Carefully transfer the dough into the preheated Dutch oven using the parchment paper as a sling. Cover with the lid and bake for 40 minutes. Then, uncover, brush the bread with butter, and continue to bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Cooling:
- Allow the bread to cool before slicing to enjoy the full texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 1800 kcal total
- Servings: 1 loaf
Prep and Cook Times:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes (excluding rising time)
This Effortless Artisan Bread is not only satisfying to make but also a joy to share. Whether you’re pairing it with a hearty soup or spreading a slice with your favorite jam, this bread is sure to impress. Remember, the key to perfect bread lies in the love and patience you put into it. Happy baking!
Effortless Artisan Bread
- Total Time: 70 minutes + rising time
- Yield: 1 1x
Description
This Rustic No-Knead Country Loaf is the epitome of simplicity meeting flavor. Crafted from just a few basic ingredients, this bread boasts a perfect crusty exterior and a soft, airy interior. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers, this recipe requires minimal hands-on time and yields results that are nothing short of spectacular.
Enjoy the deeply satisfying process of bread making without the fuss. Whether you’re pairing it with a hearty stew or slathering it with butter, this bread promises to be a comforting addition to any meal. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the art of baking but prefer to keep things uncomplicated.
Ingredients
2 teaspoons instant yeast (active or rapid rise will work)
2 teaspoons sugar
1 ½ cups barely warm water (100° F)
3 cups bread flour (360 grams)
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Cover with saran wrap and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix with a silicone spatula until the dough is fully moistened and sticky.
Form the dough into a rough ball and spray the top with cooking spray. Cover first with saran wrap, then a dish towel. Allow to rise in a warm place for 2-3 hours, until doubled in size.
For added flavor, optionally refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days.
Preheat the oven to 425° F with a Dutch oven inside.
On a floured parchment paper, fold the dough over itself from the edges toward the center to form a ball. Let rest for 45 minutes.
Carefully place the dough into the preheated Dutch oven using the parchment paper. Cover and bake for 40 minutes.
Uncover, brush with butter, and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 1800 Kcal