If you’ve ever dreamed of making bakery-quality artisan bread in your kitchen, this guide is your ultimate companion. With its crisp crust, airy crumb, and rich flavor, artisan bread is both a sensory delight and an accomplishment to be proud of. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to master this recipe step by step.
Ingredients for Homemade Artisan Bread
For the Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, enhances browning)
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) lukewarm water (90-100°F)
Optional Add-ins:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for a softer crust)
- Herbs, seeds, or cheese for added flavor
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or Danish dough whisk
- Kitchen scale (recommended for precision)
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Dutch oven or heavy-duty baking dish with lid
- Parchment paper