Quick Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe: Bake Like a Pro Today

Bread baking becomes a delightful adventure with this effortless artisan bread recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a rustic masterpiece.

Home cooks adore how minimal effort yields such incredible results.

No kneading required means anyone can master this technique.

The golden, crispy crust promises a sensory experience that rivals professional bakery offerings.

Each slice carries a rich, complex flavor that speaks to traditional baking methods.

With just a few basic pantry staples, you’ll create a loaf that looks and tastes like it emerged from a European countryside kitchen.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s make bread magic happen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Need to Make Artisan Bread at Home

• Bread Flour: Provides sturdy structure and chewy texture, choose unbleached high-protein flour for best artisan results.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth, use fine-grain sea salt for even distribution.

• Active Dry Yeast: Awakens bread's rising potential, ensure freshness by checking expiration date.
• Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps create golden crust, white granulated works perfectly.
• Warm Water: Activates yeast and hydrates flour, use temperature around 110°F for optimal performance.
• Olive Oil: Adds subtle richness and keeps dough smooth, select extra virgin for deeper flavor profile.

• Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and helps dough rise smoothly, choose neutral flavor spray.
• Butter: Creates glossy, golden finish and adds luxurious taste, unsalted butter recommended.
• Parchment Paper: Supports dough transfer and prevents burning, use unbleached variety.

Tools That Help Shape Artisan Bread Beautifully

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for activating yeast mixture.
• Silicone spatula: Helps mix dough smoothly without sticking.
• Saran wrap: Covers dough during rising process.
• Dish towel: Provides extra warmth and coverage for dough.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps transfer dough.
• Dutch oven: Creates crispy crust and even baking environment.
• Pastry brush: Used for applying butter on final bake.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Artisan Bread Perfection

• Yeast Activation

Wake up the yeast by mixing it with warm water and a touch of sugar. Let the mixture bubble and come alive for a few minutes.

• Dough Foundation

Bring together flour and salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Pour in the awakened yeast and a splash of olive oil, then blend until a shaggy, sticky mixture forms.

• Relaxation Phase

Shape the dough into a loose ball and give it a light spray. Cover and let it rest in a cozy spot, allowing it to grow and develop flavor for a couple of hours.

• Optional Flavor Development

For deeper taste, you can let the dough chill in the refrigerator for a few days.

• Oven Preparation

Heat the oven with a Dutch oven inside, creating a perfect baking environment.

• Dough Shaping

Gently fold the dough on a floured surface, creating a beautiful round loaf. Let it rest and gather its strength.

• Baking Magic

Carefully transfer the dough into the scorching hot Dutch oven. Bake covered, then uncover and finish with a golden touch of butter.

• Cooling and Slicing

Allow the bread to cool completely before cutting into its crispy, aromatic goodness.

Tweaks & Techniques to Elevate Your Artisan Bread

• Tips for Artisan Bread Success
• Gently handle the dough to preserve those beautiful air pockets that create a light, airy texture. Rough handling can deflate the bread's natural rise.
• Experiment with herb blends like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder mixed directly into the flour for an extra taste dimension. Dried herbs work wonderfully without adding moisture.
• Test different rising temperatures to develop deeper flavor profiles. A cooler spot might slow fermentation, creating more complex taste notes, while a warmer area speeds up the process.
• Swap white bread flour with whole wheat or add seeds like sunflower, flax, or sesame for nutritional punch and interesting texture. Seeds can be sprinkled on top or mixed directly into the dough.
• Wrap cooled bread in a clean kitchen towel and store at room temperature for maximum freshness. Slice only when ready to eat to prevent early staleness and maintain that perfect crust.

Serving Suggestions for Freshly Baked Artisan Bread

• Serve with Rustic Charm: Slice this artisan bread and pair it with a selection of imported cheeses, creating a Mediterranean-style appetizer platter that highlights the bread's crusty exterior.
• Breakfast Bliss: Toast thick slices and top with creamy avocado spread, poached eggs, or homemade jam for a delightful morning meal that elevates your breakfast routine.
• Hearty Soup Companion: Use chunks of this bread to soak up rich tomato bisque, creamy clam chowder, or hearty beef stew, adding texture and soaking up delicious flavors from your favorite comfort dishes.
• Gourmet Sandwich Base: Transform sandwiches by using slices as a foundation for gourmet combinations like roasted vegetables, premium deli meats, or herb-infused spreads that complement the bread's rustic taste.

Storing Artisan Bread to Keep It Rustic & Tender

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the artisan bread dough in an airtight container for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and deepen without compromising texture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the fully baked bread in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.
• Maintain Freshness: Keep the bread in a bread box or paper bag at room temperature for 2-3 days. Avoid plastic bags, which can make the crust soggy and trap moisture.
• Slice with Care: Wait until the bread completely cools before cutting to prevent a gummy interior. Use a serrated knife and slice gently to maintain the bread's delicate structure.

Rustic Artisan Bread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade artisan bread delights with crisp exterior and tender crumb. Rustic Mediterranean techniques create memorable loaves perfect for sharing with friends and family.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (360 g) bread flour
• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) water (barely warm)
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Whisk active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and lukewarm water (105-110°F) until frothy and effervescent, allowing 5 minutes for complete transformation.
2. Dough Formation: Blend bread flour and kosher salt in a spacious bowl, creating a central well. Introduce frothy yeast mixture and extra virgin olive oil, gently integrating with a silicone spatula until a rustic, slightly tacky dough emerges.
3. Proofing Process: Shape dough into a loose sphere, lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray, and cover with plastic wrap and kitchen towel. Place in a warm, undisturbed location for 2-3 hours until voluminous and puffy. Optional flavor enhancement includes refrigeration up to 72 hours for deeper fermentation.
4. Preparation and Preheating: Position cast-iron Dutch oven inside oven, preheating to 425°F. Transfer risen dough onto flour-dusted parchment paper, delicately folding edges to create a taut round loaf.
5. Baking Technique: Rest shaped dough for 45 minutes to develop structure. Carefully lower into scorching Dutch oven using parchment paper. Cover and bake 40 minutes to establish a robust crust.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove lid, brush surface with melted unsalted butter, and continue baking 10-12 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to preserve internal moisture.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Precision: Ensure water temperature is exactly 105-110°F to activate yeast without killing it, which guarantees perfect dough rise.
• Dough Hydration Secret: The slightly tacky texture indicates ideal moisture content for a soft, airy bread interior with beautiful crumb structure.
• Long Fermentation Magic: Refrigerating dough up to 72 hours develops complex flavor profiles and improves bread’s digestibility through natural fermentation.
• Temperature Control Technique: Using a preheated cast-iron Dutch oven creates professional-level steam environment, resulting in crispy exterior and tender crumb.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 4.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg