Hey there, I am Jacob Allen, your food explorer from Beyond The Bayou Blog! Today, I tried making a simple Artisan Bread recipe.
Although, the word artisan simply signify a person skilled in a particular art, but ironically you don’t need any particular skill to bake this bread. It is quite simple to bake and you can try your hand over it even if you are a naive.
As I mixed the ingredients, I remembered walking around colorful markets. I once tasted this bread in a cozy cafe with French Press Coffee on the side. The colors and smells were amazing and I must say the combination made my day.
That inspired me to make my own Artisan Bread recipe. Let’s bake and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean together! Want more Mediterranean food ideas?
Similar Recipes You Might Be Interested In!
While these recipes differ from the traditional crusty artisan bread, their similarity lies in their homemade quality, use of simple ingredients, and comforting nature. Give them a try and don’t forget to let us know about your experience.
Artisan Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Kitchen Scale
- Baking stone or overturned baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Sharp Knife
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 500 g Bread flour
- 10 g Salt
- 7 g Active dry yeast
- 350 ml Warm water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a baking stone or overturned baking sheet in the oven to preheat.
- Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round loaf.
- Place the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Slash the top of the loaf with a sharp knife and transfer it onto the preheated baking stone.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use bread flour for the best texture and rise.
- Make sure the water used to activate the yeast is warm but not too hot, around 110°F (43°C) to 115°F (46°C).
Nutrition
A Few of My Favorite Tips!
Tip 1: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.
Tip 2: For a chewier crust, place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam during baking.
Here Are Some Variations I Recommend!
- Herb Bread: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for an aromatic twist.
- Olive Bread: Fold chopped olives into the dough before shaping for a savory flavor boost.
- Whole Wheat Bread: Replace half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf with added nutritional benefits.