Introduction:
Few things compare to the joy of baking your bread! This artisan bread recipe is simple, requiring just a few basic ingredients, and yields a crusty, golden loaf with a soft and airy interior. Perfect for sandwiches, toasts, or pairing with your favorite soup.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (about 100°F/38°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix warm water with the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Make the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix until the dough comes together.
- If using olive oil, add it now and knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can knead by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- First rise:
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
- Let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the bread:
- Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each into a round loaf.
- Place the loaves on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. If desired, score the tops with a sharp knife or razor blade to create a pattern.
- Second rise:
- Cover the loaves loosely with a towel and let them rise again for about 30–40 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). For extra-crusty bread, place a small oven-safe dish of water on the bottom rack to create steam.
- Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool:
- Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy warm or store for later!
Let me know if you’d like tips on adding flavors like herbs or cheese to your bread!
