Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe

There’s just something magical about pulling a steaming-hot loaf out of your own oven, especially when it’s this easy Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe. With a crisp golden crust and a chewy, flavorful crumb, it’s the kind of bread that makes even the simplest meal feel like a special occasion—and yes, you absolutely can master it at home!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of humble ingredients for this Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe, but each one plays a starring role in creating that irresistible flavor, texture, and golden crust. Here’s what you should know before you begin:

• Bread Flour: Gives the bread its signature chewy texture and hearty structure—perfect for getting those dreamy air pockets inside. If you only have all-purpose flour, it’ll still work, but bread flour is truly the secret to that signature artisan bite.
• Instant Yeast: Powers the rise and lets you skip the hassle of proofing. Instant (or rapid rise) yeast brings loft and flavor, and makes things move right along.
• Coarse Salt: Don’t be tempted to skip or skimp! Coarse sea salt seasons the dough and helps develop flavor complexity. Fine salt works in a pinch, but slightly less is more here.
• Water: Simple, sure, but the temp matters—room temperature water (around 70°F/21°C) encourages yeast activity and keeps the dough manageable for its long, slow rise.
• Cornmeal (optional): Adds a rustic crunch and helps the loaves release easily from your pan. Highly recommended if you want that classic artisan bottom crust!

Variations

What I adore about the Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe is just how easily you can riff on it! Feel free to experiment with add-ins or swap a few basics to suit your tastes or pantry staples—no stress, just delicious results every single time.

• Herb & Garlic Loaf: Mix in chopped rosemary, thyme, or basil, and a sprinkle of minced garlic for big, savory flavors that turn every slice into a meal.
• Cheese & Jalapeño: Toss in your favorite shredded cheese and a few slices of fresh or pickled jalapeño for a bread that’s perfect with chili or soup.
• Cranberry Walnut: Add a handful of dried cranberries and chopped nuts for a sweet, nutty twist that’s dreamy with creamy cheese.
• Whole Wheat Blend: Replace half of the bread flour with whole wheat for an earthier, denser loaf (just know it’ll be a bit more rustic in texture!).

How to Make Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Start by whisking together your bread flour, instant yeast, and coarse salt right in a big, roomy bowl. Pour in the water and gently stir everything together with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Don’t worry if it looks scrappy and sticky—that’s exactly what you want! Once all the flour is moistened, use your hands if needed to form a rough, shaggy ball.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Cover your dough tightly (plastic wrap or foil both work great) and let it sit on your counter at room temperature. In about 2–3 hours, it will puff up, nearly double in size, and become bubbly—this is the yeast magic in action. The dough will be sticky and loose; that’s perfect!

Step 3: Cold Ferment for Flavor (Optional but Amazing!)

Want the deepest, most complex flavor and chewiest crumb? After the first rise, pop your covered bowl in the fridge for at least 12 hours (and up to 3 days). This slow cold ferment develops a beautiful, subtle tang. Even 18 hours makes a big difference—but remember, if you’re short on time, you can skip straight to shaping!

Step 4: Shape the Loaves

Generously dust a nonstick baking sheet with flour and/or cornmeal. Tip your cold dough out onto a floured surface, then slice it in half using a sharp knife or bench scraper. Gently shape each portion into a rough log about 9×3 inches and place them a few inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Dust your hands with flour as needed—it’s meant to be a bit sticky! Let them rest, loosely covered, for about 45 minutes as you preheat your oven.

Step 5: Score and Steam

Use a bread lame, super-sharp knife, or even kitchen shears to score the tops of the loaves with three quick slashes—these help control how your bread expands in the oven. For extra-crispy crust, add a pan of hot water to the oven to create steam (see tips below!).

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your loaves into a piping-hot 475°F (246°C) oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. Don’t be afraid of that deep color—golden brown means maximum flavor! When the loaves sound hollow when tapped, or reach about 195°F (90°C) inside, they’re done. Let them cool for at least 20 minutes (torture, I know!) before slicing.

How to Serve Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe

Garnishes

For a beautiful finishing touch, rub the warm crust with a peeled clove of garlic, drizzle with a little extra-virgin olive oil, or sprinkle with flaky sea salt or finely chopped fresh herbs. These tiny extras elevate each bite—and make your loaf look downright irresistible on the table!

Side Dishes

This loaf is a natural best friend for hearty soups and stews, a classic tomato salad, or a cozy platter of cheese, cured meats, and olives. It shines alongside a simple butter—especially when the bread is still just a little warm from the oven.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your bread into rustic wedges served on a wooden board, turn it into channel-cut croutons for salad, or let your bread be the base for showstopping crostini with all your favorite seasonal toppings. You can even bake the dough as a round boule for a dramatic, centerpiece-worthy loaf!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your bread crust crispy and the inside soft, store it loosely covered at room temperature for up to five days. Avoid airtight containers—they’ll soften that perfect crust. If you prefer, refrigerate for up to a week, though the flavor is best within the first few days.

Freezing

This Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe freezes brilliantly! Cool the loaf completely, wrap tightly in plastic, and pop into a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. You can freeze the shaped dough after its first rise, too—just thaw overnight in the fridge before proceeding.

Reheating

To revive that bakery-fresh taste, splash your bread lightly with water and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 8–10 minutes. The oven brings back a crisp crust and billowy crumb—you’d never guess it wasn’t just baked today!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever dreamed of filling your home with the smell of fresh bread, this Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe is your sign to go for it. It’s truly as rewarding as it is simple—no fuss, just pure, homemade comfort on demand. Gather your ingredients, trust the process, and enjoy every golden, crusty slice—you absolutely deserve it!

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