Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe – Simple, Flavorful, and Oh-So-Cozy

There’s nothing that warms the heart quite like the aroma of fresh-baked bread wafting through your home. Imagine for a moment: the comforting sound of crackling crust, the soft warmth of dough in your hands, and that first heavenly bite bursting with flavor. This is the magic of Homemade Artisan Bread! It’s a recipe that’s not just about the delicious outcome, but also about the process — the gentle kneading, the waiting, and the anticipation. Join me on this flavorful journey that always brings back memories of family dinners and cozy weekend brunches.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make
• Comforting homemade flavor
• Made with simple ingredients
• Great for any occasion
• Always a crowd-pleaser

Ingredients You’ll Need

To bake your own Homemade Artisan Bread, gather these simple yet magical ingredients:

• 3 and 1/4 cups bread flour
• Bread flour gives that wonderful chewiness that everyone loves.
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• Instant yeast works quickly, so you can enjoy your bread sooner!
• 2 teaspoons coarse salt
• Salt enhances flavor while controlling fermentation.
• 1 and 1/2 cups water (close to room temperature)
• This is key to ensuring even mixing and a lovely dough consistency.
• Optional: cornmeal for dusting
• For an extra rustic touch and to prevent sticking.

How to Make It

Now, let’s dive into the heart of the recipe! Follow these easy and comforting steps, and don’t be afraid to get your hands doughy:

1. In a large ungreased mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt until well combined. The simple act of mixing is so satisfying, like a warm hug from inside a bowl.
2. Pour in the water, then gently mix with a spatula or your hands until all the flour is moistened. Don’t overmix it; a rough texture is what we want here.
3. Shape the dough into a ball, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll notice it becoming puffy and airy, and oh, that smell will already be hinting at happiness!
4. For best flavor, this is the perfect time to refrigerate your dough for anywhere from 12 hours to 3 days. Don’t rush this! The longer it chills, the better the flavor.
5. Preheat your oven to a sizzling 475 degrees F. Get ready for the magic to happen!
6. Dust a baking sheet with flour or cornmeal, and turn out your cold dough onto a floured surface. Cut it in half and shape each half into lovely loaves, feeling the dough’s resistance.
7. Let the loaves rest for about 45 minutes. This short wait will yield beautiful rises.
8. Now, score the loaves with a sharp knife — it gives that lovely rustic appeal. For a crispy crust, you can add steam by placing a pan of boiling water in the oven below your bread.
9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly. The anticipation really builds here, doesn’t it?
10. Allow your bread to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. You want to savor the moment, and trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Kitchen Tips

• Time-Saving Trick: If you’re short on time, you can skip the refrigeration. Just let the dough rise until doubled — it’ll still taste great!
• Common Mistake Fix: If your dough seems too sticky, sprinkle in just a bit more flour until it holds together. A little adjustment can make all the difference.
• Flavor Variation: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme before mixing for a delightful twist. Garlic lovers can throw in some roasted garlic for an extra layer of flavor!

Serving Ideas

Your Homemade Artisan Bread is perfect for any occasion. Picture this: warm slices served with butter and jam for a cozy breakfast or as the star of your dinner table alongside soups and stews. It makes a fabulous companion to a hearty salad or a tasty sandwich too. Want a fun touch? Slice it up and serve it with a side of garlic herb oil for dipping!

Storing & Leftovers

• Storing: Keep your bread wrapped in a kitchen towel or in a paper bag on the counter for 2-3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze it in a plastic bag.
• Reheating: To bring back that fresh-baked texture, toast slices in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.
• Leftover Idea: Turn it into delightful bread crumbs for topping casseroles or add crusty chunks to your favorite salads for an extra crunch!

Homemade Artisan Bread

A simple and flavorful recipe for making warm, crusty Artisan bread at home, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 3 hours hrs

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Servings: 10 slices

Course: Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Traditional

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups bread flour Gives that wonderful chewiness.
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast Works quickly for a faster bread.
• 2 teaspoons coarse salt Enhances flavor and controls fermentation.
• 1 1/2 cups water (close to room temperature) For even mixing and dough consistency.

Optional Ingredients

• cornmeal for dusting For an extra rustic touch and to prevent sticking.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large ungreased mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt until well combined.
2. Pour in the water, then gently mix with a spatula or your hands until all the flour is moistened.
3. Shape the dough into a ball, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours.
4. For best flavor, refrigerate your dough for anywhere from 12 hours to 3 days.

Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 475 degrees F.
2. Dust a baking sheet with flour or cornmeal, and turn out your cold dough onto a floured surface.
3. Cut the dough in half and shape each half into loaves.
4. Let the loaves rest for about 45 minutes.
5. Score the loaves with a sharp knife.
6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
7. Allow your bread to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For a time-saving trick, you can skip the refrigeration. You can add herbs for flavor variations. Store bread wrapped in a kitchen towel for 2-3 days or freeze for longer storage.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Baking Homemade Artisan Bread has become one of my cherished rituals in the kitchen. The process brings a sense of calm and joy, and I love sharing slices with my family and friends. It reminds me that simple ingredients can create magic. I hope you try this recipe and make it your own. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply to enjoy on a cozy evening at home, I know you will love it just as much as I do. Happy baking! 🍞💛

More Resources

If you loved the process and flavor of Homemade Artisan Bread, here are more baking recipes and tips to elevate your kitchen experience:

• Whole Wheat Bread – Soft & Hearty Two Loaves – hearty, wholesome bread perfect for sandwiches or toast.
• Lemon Blueberry Bread – a moist, zesty bread bursting with fresh fruit flavor.
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread – a warm, cozy treat perfect for fall gatherings.
• Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole – a comforting, creamy side that pairs beautifully with any meal.
• Neapolitan Cake – a delightful layered dessert inspired by the classic ice cream flavor combo.
• Pecan Pie Brownies – rich, fudgy brownies with the sweet crunch of pecans for dessert lovers.

Trusted Sources

• Bon Appétit – How to Bake Artisan Bread at Home – pro tips to help you bake perfect artisanal loaves every time.
• Serious Eats – The Science of Baking Bread – a deep dive into the science behind making homemade bread that’s perfect every time.