Description
Effortless Artisan Bread brings rustic European charm to home kitchens with minimal effort. Crusty exterior and tender crumb promise a delightful experience that connects you with traditional baking magic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (360 grams) bread flour
- 1 ½ cups (355 milliliters) barely warm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
Leavening Agents:
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
Fats:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by whisking together active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and lukewarm water (105-110°F or 40-43°C) in a compact vessel. Allow the mixture to bloom and become effervescent for approximately 5 minutes.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine high-protein bread flour and kosher salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the frothy yeast mixture along with extra virgin olive oil.
- Gently integrate the ingredients using a flexible silicone spatula until a shaggy, moist dough forms. The texture should be slightly tacky and uneven.
- Transform the dough into a loose spherical shape and lightly coat the surface with non-stick cooking spray. Encase the bowl with plastic wrap and then drape a clean kitchen towel over it.
- Position the dough in a draft-free, warm environment and permit it to proof for 2-3 hours, or until the volume has substantially increased and appears puffy.
- For enhanced flavor complexity, consider refrigerating the dough for up to 72 hours, which will develop deeper fermentation notes.
- Position a heavy cast-iron Dutch oven inside the oven and preheat to 425°F (218°C).
- Transfer the risen dough onto a parchment paper dusted with all-purpose flour. Delicately fold the edges toward the center, creating a taut round loaf.
- Allow the shaped dough to rest and relax for 45 minutes, developing additional structure.
- Carefully lower the dough into the scorching Dutch oven using the parchment paper as a transfer tool. Cover and bake for 40 minutes to create a robust crust.
- Remove the lid, delicately brush the surface with melted unsalted butter, and continue baking for an additional 10-12 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown coloration.
- Extract from the oven and let the artisan bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to preserve internal moisture.
Notes
- Activate the yeast carefully with warm water and sugar to ensure a perfect rise and fluffy texture.
- Develop a sticky, wet dough by mixing ingredients gently with a silicone spatula for authentic artisan bread consistency.
- Allow ample rising time in a warm spot, potentially up to 3 days in the refrigerator, which enhances flavor complexity.
- Use parchment paper for easy dough transfer and prevent sticking when placing into the hot Dutch oven.
- Bake in a preheated Dutch oven to create a crispy, golden-brown crust with professional bakery-style results.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to maintain internal moisture and ideal texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 182 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 395 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg