Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe

Bread lovers, rejoice! This Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe is the simple secret to making bakery-style loaves right in your own kitchen. With a golden, crackling crust and a tender, chewy interior, this bread comes together with just a handful of ingredients—and absolutely minimal fuss!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a few classic ingredients work magic in this Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe! Each is carefully chosen—no fluff, no filler—to create that iconic chewy crumb, gorgeous golden crust, and unmistakable flavor.

• Bread Flour: With its higher protein content, bread flour delivers a chewy texture and helps form those signature air pockets.
• Instant Yeast: This is your shortcut to an easy rise and airy, bakery-style bread. No proofing required—just add and go!
• Coarse Salt: Don’t underestimate salt! It deepens flavor and balances the yeast’s work, boosting taste in every bite.
• Water: Use room-temperature water to activate the yeast and bring the dough together without fuss.
• Optional Cornmeal: Dust your pan for added crunch and that rustic, bakery-fresh finish on the crust.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to play with this Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe! It’s endlessly adaptable—add a handful of your favorites or tweak it to suit your needs, from savory herbs to sweet add-ins and beyond.

• Whole Wheat Swap: Replace half the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a nutty, heartier loaf—just add an extra splash of water if needed.
• Seed & Nut Crunch: Fold in sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, or roughly chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
• Cheddar & Herb Upgrade: Gently knead in shredded cheddar and a sprinkle of chopped rosemary or thyme after the first rise for a savory twist.
• Olive & Garlic Medley: For Mediterranean flair, stir in sliced olives and roasted garlic prior to shaping the dough.

How to Make Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Start by whisking your flour, instant yeast, and salt together in a large, ungreased mixing bowl. Pour in the water, then use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix it all up. The dough will look a little messy and dry at first—that’s perfectly normal! Keep stirring (and, honestly, get in there with your hands if you need to) until all the flour is moistened and a sticky mass forms. Shape it into a rough ball right there in the bowl.

Step 2: First Rise

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or foil, then set it on your counter at room temperature. Let the dough rise for 2 to 3 hours—it should nearly double in size, become filled with airy bubbles, and feel delightfully squishy when poked.

Step 3: Cold Rest for Flavor

For truly irresistible flavor and texture, refrigerate the risen dough for 12 hours or up to 3 days (18 hours is my sweet spot!). This slows fermentation, developing a deep, complex taste and a gorgeous chewy crumb. It’s absolutely worth the extra time if you can spare it!

Step 4: Shape the Loaves

When you’re ready to bake, dust a nonstick baking sheet with flour or cornmeal, then turn out the cold dough onto a floured surface. Cut the dough in half, being gentle with those precious air bubbles. With floured hands, shape each half into a rustic loaf about 9×3 inches—don’t stress about perfection! Lay them a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheet, cover loosely, and let them rest for 45 minutes while your oven preheats.

Step 5: Bake with Steam

Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C). Just before baking, score the tops of the loaves with a sharp knife or bread lame to allow steam and beautiful expansion. For a sensationally crisp crust, pour boiling water into a pan on the bottom rack just as you put your bread in, creating bakery-style steam. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped—or until an instant-read thermometer hits 195°F (90°C).

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Remove your stunning loaves from the oven and let them cool for at least 20 minutes. This step is vital—cutting too soon can make your artisan bread gummy instead of gorgeously airy. Once cooled, slice, savor, and prepare for a flurry of compliments!

How to Serve Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe

Garnishes

This bread loves a simple slather of good European butter or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil with a dusting of flaky sea salt or freshly cracked pepper. For a pretty touch, sprinkle with fresh herbs or even roasted garlic just before serving.

Side Dishes

The Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe pairs with just about everything—think classic tomato soup, robust stews, delicate salads, or even just your favorite cheese and charcuterie. It transforms weeknight dinners and weekend brunches alike!

Creative Ways to Present

Wow guests by serving thick rustic slices in a bread basket lined with a linen towel, or create open-faced tartines with fresh veggies and spreads. For gatherings, cut the loaf into cubes for a fondue or serve as a build-your-own crostini bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cooled bread loosely covered at room temperature for up to 5 days—if it even lasts that long. Avoid airtight containers, which can soften the crust; a paper bag or bread box works perfectly to preserve the lovely crust.

Freezing

This Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe freezes beautifully! Simply wrap individual slices or whole loaves tightly in foil and slide into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months—ready for last-minute meals or spontaneous cravings.

Reheating

To refresh your bread, pop slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes, or gently toast. For whole loaves, bake directly from frozen at the same temperature for 10-15 minutes until crisp and fragrant again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a fresh, crackly loaf of bread from your own oven! I hope you’re inspired to try this Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe and make it a staple in your kitchen. Every airy crumb and golden slice is proof that bakery magic can truly happen at home—so tie on your apron, and let’s get baking!

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