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
- 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
Instructions
- Yeast Activation: Whisk active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and lukewarm water (105-110°F) until frothy and effervescent, allowing 5 minutes for complete transformation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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