Baking homemade bread can be a daunting task but this crusty artisan bread recipe makes it a cakewalk for everyone. This bread recipe requires a few essential ingredients and a little patience to achieve a golden crust and tender interior, making it perfect for any time of the day.
The ingredients in this recipe are fairly common and can be easily found in most supermarkets. However, you should pay special attention to the quality of yeast as the dough's rise significantly depends on it. Additionally, cornmeal is used to prevent the dough from sticking to the baking sheet, so don't forget to pick it up.
Ingredients for Crusty Artisan Bread
All-purpose flour: This is the base of your bread; it provides the structure and body. It is essential to use all-purpose flour as it has the right amount of protein, perfect for making bread.
Kosher salt: It adds flavor to the bread and helps control yeast activity during fermentation.
Yeast: This is what makes the bread rise. It consumes the sugars in the flour and produces carbon dioxide, which gets trapped in the dough and results in the airy texture of the bread.
Lukewarm water: It activates the yeast and brings all the ingredients together to form a dough.
Cornmeal: It is used to dust the baking sheet, which prevents the bread from sticking while baking.
One reader, Greggory Wojcik says:
This crusty artisan bread recipe is a game-changer! The bread turned out beautifully crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. The aroma filled my kitchen, and the taste was divine. It's so easy to make and the results are outstanding. I'm definitely making this again!
Key Techniques for Making Crusty Artisan Bread
How to make the dough: The dough should be sticky and conform to the shape of the bowl. If the dough is too dry, add a few tablespoons more warm water. If it's too wet, add a few tablespoons of flour.
How to shape the dough: Gently work the dough into a smooth ball, stretching the surface and tucking the ends underneath, adding more flour as needed so it doesn't stick to your hands.
How to slash the dough: Using a sharp knife, make a few 1/2-inch-deep slashes in the dough -- a scallop, cross, or tic tac toe pattern all look nice.
How to create steam in the oven: Place a metal pan (any metal cake pan or broiler pan will work; just don't use glass) on the bottom rack and carefully fill it with one cup of hot tap water.
How to freeze the dough: The dough can be portioned into thirds and frozen in airtight plastic containers for up to 1 month. Defrost the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then shape, rest, and bake as usual.
How to freeze the baked loaves: Wrap the baked loaves in a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month. If you plan to use slices one at a time, place pieces of parchment between them so they don't stick.
How To Make Crusty Artisan Bread
Enjoy soft, crusty, and flavorful bread anytime by whipping up this five-ingredient artisan bread! A truly tasteful snack perfect for munching with spreads.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 6½cupsall-purpose flour,spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off
- 4tspkosher salt
- 1½tbspyeast
- 3cupslukewarm water
- cornmeal,for dusting the pan
Instructions
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In a very large 6-quart bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast. Add the water and stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture is uniformly moist, without any patches of flour.
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Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and let it sit on the counter in a warm spot for 2 hours.*
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Dust a sturdy baking sheet with cornmeal. Dust the surface of the dough and your hands lightly with flour.
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Pull out one-third of the dough and coat the outside lightly with flour. Gently work the dough into a smooth ball, stretching the surface and tucking the ends underneath, adding more flour as needed.
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Put the dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet and let it rest at room temperature, uncovered, for about 40 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Set one rack in the lowest position of the oven and one rack in the middle position. Place a metal pan on the bottom rack.
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Generously dust the dough with flour. Using a sharp knife, make a few ½-inch-deep slashes in the dough.
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Slide the baking sheet with the dough into the oven, and carefully fill the metal cake pan with one cup of hot tap water.
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Bake for about 30 minutes until the loaf is golden brown.
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Cool completely on a wire rack. Once sliced, place the loaf cut-side down on a cutting board or plate and leave it uncovered.
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Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
*If planning to bake a loaf immediately, proceed to the next step. Otherwise, place the bowl of dough in the refrigerator to be used over the next 14 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 167.56kcal
- Fat: 0.52g
- Saturated Fat: 0.08g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.08g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.19g
- Carbohydrates: 34.86g
- Fiber: 1.49g
- Sugar: 0.12g
- Protein: 5.07g
- Sodium: 199.15mg
- Calcium: 8.38mg
- Potassium: 57.89mg
- Iron: 2.12mg
- Vitamin C: 0.00mg
Crucial Technique for Perfect Crusty Artisan Bread
When working with this artisan bread recipe, it's important to remember that the texture of your dough can greatly influence the final product. If your dough is too dry, it may not rise properly, resulting in a denser loaf. On the other hand, if it's too wet, it may not hold its shape well. Therefore, achieving the right balance is key. A good tip is to add the water gradually, starting with less than the recipe calls for. Mix it in thoroughly before deciding if more is needed. This way, you can better control the moisture level of your dough and make adjustments as necessary. Remember, it's always easier to add more water than to try and compensate for a dough that's too wet.
Time-Saving Tips for Homemade Artisan Bread
Plan ahead: Make a larger batch of dough and refrigerate it for up to 14 days, so you can have fresh bread whenever you want without having to start from scratch each time.
Use a stand mixer: If you have a stand mixer, use it to mix and knead the dough, which will save you time and effort compared to doing it by hand.
Preheat the oven: Make sure to preheat the oven while the dough is resting, so it's ready to go when the bread is shaped and ready to be baked.
Batch freezing: Portion the dough into smaller loaves and freeze them, so you can have homemade bread on hand without the need to make it from scratch every time.
Bake multiple loaves: If you have the oven space, consider baking multiple loaves at once to maximize your time and energy usage.
Use a bread maker: Consider using a bread maker to mix and knead the dough, saving you time and effort in the initial stages of bread making.
Pre-measure ingredients: Pre-measure the dry ingredients for multiple batches of dough and store them in labeled containers, so you can quickly mix up a new batch without measuring each time.
Use quick-rise yeast: Opt for quick-rise yeast to speed up the rising process, allowing you to move through the steps more efficiently.
Invest in a proofing box: Consider investing in a proofing box to create an ideal environment for dough rising, which can speed up the overall process.
Pre-slice and freeze: Slice the bread and freeze it in portions, so you can quickly grab a slice and thaw it as needed without having to slice the entire loaf each time.
Substitute Ingredients For Crusty Artisan Bread Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with bread flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which will result in a chewier and more structured crust.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and flavor profile to kosher salt, making it a suitable replacement in this recipe.
yeast - Substitute with sourdough starter: Sourdough starter can be used as a natural leavening agent, adding a tangy flavor and complexity to the bread.
lukewarm water - Substitute with milk: Using milk instead of water will add richness and tenderness to the bread, resulting in a softer crumb.
Essential Tools for Baking Crusty Artisan Bread
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the flour, salt, yeast, and water to form the dough. It allows for easy stirring and ensures all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is used to stir the dough and water mixture until it is uniformly moist. It is important to use a wooden spoon as it does not react with the ingredients and is gentle on the dough.
Plastic wrap: Plastic wrap is used to cover the bowl of dough during the resting period. It helps to create a warm and moist environment for the dough to rise.
Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is dusted with cornmeal and used to place the formed dough for baking. It provides a flat surface for the dough to rest and bake.
Sharp knife: A sharp knife is used to make slashes in the dough before baking. This allows the dough to expand and release steam during the baking process, resulting in a beautifully textured crust.
Metal pan: A metal pan is placed in the oven to create steam during the baking process. The steam helps to develop a crispy crust on the bread.
Wire rack: A wire rack is used to cool the baked bread. Placing the bread on a wire rack allows air to circulate around the loaf, preventing it from becoming soggy.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Artisan Bread
Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for crusty artisan bread:
To store the bread, place the cooled loaf cut-side down on a cutting board or plate and leave it uncovered. This will help maintain the bread's crispy crust. If the bread lasts beyond a day, it's best to slice it and freeze it for longer storage.
To freeze the dough:
- Portion the dough into thirds and place each portion in an airtight plastic container.
- Freeze the dough for up to 1 month.
- To use the frozen dough, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Shape, rest, and bake the dough as usual according to the recipe instructions.
To freeze the baked loaves:
- Wrap the whole or sliced loaves in a zip-top freezer bag.
- If you plan to use slices one at a time, place pieces of parchment between them to prevent sticking.
- Freeze the wrapped bread for up to 1 month.
- To thaw, remove the bread from the freezer and let it come to room temperature on the countertop.
- Reheat the thawed bread in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 10 minutes.
By following these storage and freezing guidelines, you can enjoy your homemade crusty bread for weeks to come, ensuring that you always have a fresh, delicious loaf on hand whenever the craving strikes.
How To Reheat Leftover Artisan Bread
- The best way to reheat leftover crusty artisan bread is to place it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until it's warmed through and the crust is crispy again. This method helps to restore the bread's original texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a softer crust, wrap the bread loosely in aluminum foil before placing it in the oven. This will help to retain some of the moisture and prevent the crust from becoming too hard.
- For a quicker option, you can also reheat the bread in a toaster oven. Slice the bread to your desired thickness and toast it for a few minutes until it's warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- If you're in a hurry, you can microwave the bread, but be aware that this method may result in a softer, chewier texture. To microwave, place the bread on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 15-second intervals until it's warmed to your liking.
- For a unique twist, try transforming your leftover artisan bread into delicious croutons. Cut the bread into small cubes, toss them with some olive oil, garlic powder, and dried herbs, and bake them in a preheated 400°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they're golden brown and crispy.
Interesting Fact About Artisan Bread
The recipe for crusty artisan bread can be customized by adding various ingredients such as rosemary, olives, or garlic to create different flavor profiles.
Is Making Artisan Bread at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this crusty artisan bread recipe is high. With simple, inexpensive ingredients and the ability to make multiple loaves from one batch of dough, it's a budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5-7, making it an affordable choice. The versatility and deliciousness of the bread earn it a solid 9/10 rating.
Is Crusty Artisan Bread Healthy or Unhealthy?
This crusty artisan bread recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe relies heavily on all-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks the nutritional benefits of whole grain flours
- The high sodium content from the kosher salt may be a concern for those watching their salt intake
- The recipe does not include any fiber-rich ingredients or healthy fats
However, the bread does not contain any added sugars or unhealthy fats, which is a plus.
To make this bread healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or other whole grain flours like spelt or rye to increase the fiber content and nutritional value
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe to lower the sodium content
- Experiment with adding healthy ingredients such as seeds (flax, chia, sunflower, or pumpkin), nuts (walnuts or almonds), or dried fruits (raisins or cranberries) to boost the nutritional profile and add interesting flavors and textures
- Serve the bread with healthy accompaniments like hummus, avocado, or nut butters to provide healthy fats and protein
Editor's Opinion on This Crusty Artisan Bread Recipe
This crusty artisan bread recipe is a classic and foolproof way to make delicious homemade bread. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. The bread has a beautiful crust and a soft, airy crumb, making it perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or enjoying on its own. The freezer-friendly instructions also make it convenient for enjoying fresh bread anytime. Overall, this recipe is a winner for anyone looking to bake their own artisan-style bread at home.
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Why trust this Crusty Artisan Bread Recipe:
This recipe is a tried and tested classic, perfected over time by a team of passionate chefs. The artisan bread is made with simple, wholesome ingredients, ensuring a pure and authentic flavor. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, guaranteeing success for both novice and experienced bakers. With yeast as the leavening agent, the bread rises beautifully, creating a delightful texture and aroma. The use of kosher salt enhances the overall taste, while the addition of cornmeal lends a delightful crunch to the crust. Trust in this recipe to deliver a truly artisanal bread experience.
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