Homemade Artisan Bread: Simple Steps to Perfect Crusty Loaves

Ingredients

- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir the dry ingredients until well-mixed.

2. Add Water and Mix
Gradually pour 1 1/2 cups of warm water into the dry ingredients while stirring with a wooden spoon. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.

4. First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. (PT2H)

5. Shape the Loaf
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to remove air. Shape it into a round loaf by tucking the edges under. Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

6. Second Rise
Cover the loaf with the kitchen towel again and allow it to rest and rise for another 30 minutes. (PT30M)

7. Preheat the Oven
While your dough rises, preheat your oven to 450°F. Place an oven-safe dish filled with water on the lower rack to create steam, which helps develop a crusty exterior.

8. Score the Bread
With a sharp knife or a bread lame, make 3 to 4 diagonal slashes on the surface of the dough. This will help control expansion and create a beautiful pattern.

9. Bake the Bread
Transfer the baking sheet to the oven. Bake at 450°F for 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. (PT30M)

10. Cool the Bread
Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This cooling period allows the interior to set fully.

Total Time

PT3H15M
3 hours and 15 minutes

Type of Dish

Snack

Keywords

Artisan Bread, Homemade Bread, Crusty Loaf, Easy Bread Recipe, Yeast Bread, No-Fail Bread, Simple Bread Tips, Bread Baking, DIY Bread, Beginner Bread

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

Approximately 1,200 calories for the entire loaf

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