Description
Artisan bread is a warm, inviting treat that combines a crusty exterior with a soft, airy interior. Perfect for any meal, this homemade delight fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and can be enjoyed fresh with butter, as the base for sandwiches, or alongside soups and stews. This simple recipe empowers even novice bakers to create delicious loaves at home, celebrating the joy of traditional baking in just a few easy steps.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups lukewarm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Gradually pour in lukewarm water while stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes).
- Place the kneaded dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (approximately 1 hour).
- Once risen, punch down the dough and shape it into a round loaf by tucking edges under.
- Place the loaf on parchment paper or a floured baking sheet. Allow it to rise again for 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Before baking, make shallow cuts across the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (50g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like rosemary or thyme into your dough. Store leftover bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days or freeze slices for longer storage.