Homemade Artisan Bread: Crusty, Fluffy, and Simple 🍞
This homemade artisan bread recipe yields two beautifully golden loaves with a crisp crust and soft, airy interior. Made with simple ingredients and minimal effort, it’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Serve it warm with butter, alongside soups, or as the base for hearty sandwiches. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of freshly baked bread without preservatives!
⏲️ Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes (including rising and baking)
🍽️ Servings: 2 loaves (12-16 slices total)
🔥 Kcal: ~150 kcal per slice
📝 Ingredients
- 10g (1 packet) dry yeast
- 200ml (1 cup) warm water (for yeast activation)
- 400ml (1 ⅔ cups) warm water (for dough)
- 720g (6 cups) all-purpose flour + 120g (1 cup) for initial mixing
- 10g (1 tsp) salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp milk
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, dissolve 10g dry yeast in 200ml warm water (about 100-110°F/38-43°C). Stir until fully dissolved.
- Add 120g (1 cup) flour and mix until smooth. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let rest for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Form the Dough
- Add 400ml warm water to the yeast mixture and stir well.
- Gradually add 720g (6 cups) flour and 10g salt. Knead for 3-4 minutes until a soft, slightly non-sticky dough forms. If too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as needed.
Step 3: First Rise
- Cover the dough with a towel or plastic wrap and let it ferment in a warm place until doubled in size (about 30-45 minutes, depending on room temperature).
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Gently deflate the dough to remove air. Divide into two equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a ball and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, press each ball flat with your fingers, then roll inward to form a tight loaf. Repeat with the second dough.
Step 5: Second Rise
- Place both loaves on a parchment-lined baking tray. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.
Step 6: Bake
- Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Mix egg yolk with 1 tbsp milk and brush over the loaves for a glossy finish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
Step 7: Serve
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter, your favorite spread, or alongside soups, salads, or sandwiches.
💡 Cooking Tips
- Yeast Activation: Ensure water is warm (not hot) to avoid killing the yeast. Aim for 100-110°F (38-43°C).
- Avoid Over-Kneading: Knead just until the dough is smooth to keep the texture light and airy.
- Sticky Dough: If the dough is too sticky, add flour 1 tbsp at a time, but avoid adding too much to maintain softness.
- Crust Variations: For a crispier crust, place a small oven-safe dish of water in the oven during baking to create steam.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough and complete the first rise, then refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Slather with butter or jam for a simple treat.
- Savory: Pair with creamy soups, stews, or a fresh salad.
- Sandwiches: Use slices for hearty sandwiches with meats, cheeses, or veggies.
- Breakfast: Toast and top with avocado or eggs for a delicious start to the day.
🌿 Nutritional Benefits
- Carbohydrates: Provides energy from high-quality flour.
- Low Preservatives: Homemade bread avoids the additives found in many store-bought loaves.
- Customizable: Adjust salt or use whole wheat flour for added fiber.
🥖 Dietary Information
- Contains Gluten: Due to all-purpose flour. For gluten-free, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check yeast compatibility.
- Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarian diets.
- Egg & Dairy: Contains egg yolk and milk in the glaze. For dairy-free, skip the glaze or use a plant-based milk alternative.
📊 Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, Approximate)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 1.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 4g
🗃️ Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or wrapped in a clean towel for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze whole loaves or slices in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-10 minutes.
Who Will Love This Dish?
- Bread Enthusiasts: Perfect for those who love the aroma and taste of freshly baked bread.
- Beginner Bakers: Simple ingredients and steps make it accessible for all skill levels.
- Families: A versatile loaf that pairs with any meal.
- Homemade Food Fans: Ideal for those who prefer preservative-free, customizable recipes.
Conclusion
This Homemade Artisan Bread is a delightful way to bring the warmth of freshly baked bread to your table. With its golden crust and soft, fluffy interior, it’s a versatile addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it with a bowl of soup or building the ultimate sandwich, this bread is sure to impress with its simplicity and flavor. Bake, slice, and enjoy the fruits of your labor! 🥖
