Rustic Artisan Bread

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Rustic Artisan Bread is a simple yet rewarding recipe that brings the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread into your home. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a crusty loaf with a soft, airy interior that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for Rustic Artisan Bread

All-purpose flour forms the base of our dough, providing structure and elasticity. Warm water activates the yeast and hydrates the flour. Salt enhances flavor and tightens gluten structure for a better texture. Instant yeast is a reliable leavening agent that helps the bread rise. Olive oil adds a hint of richness and aids in creating a tender crumb. Honey not only sweetens slightly but also feeds the yeast, giving the dough a gentle lift.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your kitchen is a bit chilly, let the dough rise in a slightly warmed (but turned off) oven.
  • For a deeper flavor, let the dough rise in the fridge overnight for a slow fermentation.
  • To check if your bread is done, give the bottom a tap; it should sound hollow.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is perfect for dipping into a hearty soup or stew. Try it with a spread of fresh butter and a sprinkle of sea salt for a simple yet delightful treat. It also makes for an excellent base for bruschetta or open-faced sandwiches with your favorite toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a denser loaf.
Do I need a Dutch oven?
While a Dutch oven is ideal for the best crust, you can use a baking stone or a heavy baking sheet and cover the bread with a metal bowl.
How long will the bread stay fresh?
Stored in a bread box or wrapped in a cloth, it stays fresh for about 2–3 days.

Rustic Artisan Bread Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large bowl and mixing the flour with the salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed before the wet ingredients come into play. In a separate bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey. Let this sit for about five minutes. You’ll notice the yeast starting to bubble – that’s how you know it’s alive and kicking.

Now, gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until a shaggy dough starts to form. It might look a bit messy, but that's okay. Once combined, transfer your dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about ten minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic – think of it as a mini workout.

Lightly oil a bowl and place your dough inside, covering it with a cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot for an hour until it doubles in size. While waiting, preheat your oven to 450°F and place your trusty Dutch oven inside. This preheating step is key for that perfect crust.

Once your dough has risen, gently shape it into a round loaf. Carefully, and I mean carefully, place it in the preheated Dutch oven. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and let it bake for another 10 minutes until it’s golden brown and crusty.

Take the bread out and let it cool on a wire rack. This is the hardest part – waiting. But trust me, slicing into it too soon can mess with the texture. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to bread.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Minimal ingredients make it budget-friendly and accessible.
  • Easy to master, even for novice bakers.
  • Delivers a wonderfully crispy crust and a tender crumb.
  • No fancy equipment needed; your Dutch oven does the magic.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp instant yeast
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and honey, allowing it to sit for 5 minutes.
3. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
6. Preheat your oven to 450°F and place a Dutch oven inside to heat.
7. Shape the risen dough into a round loaf and carefully place it in the preheated Dutch oven.
8. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the lid and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown.
9. Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

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