Classic Artisan Bread
This Classic Artisan Bread is simple, rustic, and full of flavor with a crispy crust and soft, airy interior. Made with just flour, water, yeast, and salt, this no-knead method produces a bakery-style loaf perfect for sandwiches, soups, or just enjoying with butter.
Preparation Time
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- Prep Time: 10 minutes
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- Resting & Fermentation Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 1 loaf
Ingredients
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- 280 g warm water
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- 5 g fresh yeast (or 2 g dry yeast)
- 350 g wheat flour (bread flour preferred)
- 7 g salt
Directions
1. Activate the Yeast
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- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and fresh yeast. Stir well until the yeast dissolves.
2. Mix the Dough
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- Add wheat flour and salt to the bowl.
- Stir until all flour is absorbed and no dry spots remain.
- Let the dough rest in a warm place for 30 minutes.
3. Stretch and Fold
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- Gently stretch the edges of the dough and fold them toward the center.
- Lift the dough and lightly pat to develop elasticity.
- Cover with plastic wrap and ferment in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
4. Shape the Dough
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- Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough into a ball.
- Let it rest for 20 minutes.
- Shape into a long loaf or baguette-style.
5. Final Fermentation
- Cover and allow the dough to rise for 60 minutes before baking.
6. Bake the Bread
- Preheat the oven to 240°C (465°F).
- Bake covered for 15 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 15 minutes for a golden crust.
7. Cool and Serve
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
- Enjoy fresh or toasted with butter, jam, or soup!
Serving Suggestions
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- Serve with butter and honey for breakfast.
- Use as a base for bruschetta.
- Pair with soups or stews.
Cooking Tips
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- For a crispier crust, place a pan of water in the oven while baking.
- Use bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Let the dough ferment longer for a deeper flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
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- High in fiber and protein from whole wheat flour.
- Low in fat and sugar.
- Great source of complex carbohydrates.
Dietary Information
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- Vegetarian-friendly
- Vegan-friendly
- Dairy-free
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, Approx.)
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- Calories: 140
- Protein: 4g
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- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Fiber: 2g
Storage
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- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze slices for up to 3 months; reheat before serving.
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- Simple ingredients, no kneading required
- Soft, airy texture with a crispy crust
- Perfect for sandwiches, toasts, and dipping
- Easily customizable with herbs, seeds, or cheese
Conclusion
This Classic Artisan Bread is a delicious, easy-to-make loaf with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted, this homemade bread is a must-try for any baking lover. Try it today and enjoy bakery-style bread at home!