Easy Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe (2024)

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Artisan Bread Recipe only requires 3 simple ingredients and you can have homemade bread at home with little effort. Enjoy this artisan sourdough bread recipewith dinner and see just how easy and delicious it is!

Easy Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe (1)

Artisan Bread Recipe:

There is something so comforting about bread with a meal and this Artisan Bread Recipe does not disappoint. You are going to be amazed just how easy it is to make homemade bread.

This simple bread comes together with just a few ingredients and very little work. Your house will smell amazing as this bakes. If you have never made homemade bread before then this recipe is for you.

Once you give this a try, you will see how much better it tastes than those store bought bread mixes. You are going to save money and have the best artisan bread ever! Check out more quick bread recipes.

What is Homemade Artisan Bread?

Artisan bread is a type of bread that generally is made by hand and has a short term shelf life. It looks rustic and usually has a dusting of flower on top. It is perfect to enjoy with your meals or for a snack.

This is the perfect bread to make for beginners. There is only 3 ingredients needed and you can have fresh baked bread for your favorite Italian meal.

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What Makes Artisan Bread Different?

Artisan Bread is different because of how simple it is to make and the ingredients. It only requires 3 ingredients to make this bread. There is no kneading or no real shaping is required.

No need for complicated bread machine when you make this Artisan Bread. The ingredients are mixed together by hand. Delicious flavor, crispy texture and tender on the inside.

This Artisan Bread recipe will be your next homemade rustic bread recipe. There is no need to hit the bakery shop when you can make this delicious bread at home. If you like making bread, also try Indian Fry Bread recipe.

It only uses natural ingredients and is typically hand crafted and made on a smaller scale. It is not generally mass produced.

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Easy Bread Recipe:

We love serving bread when we make Italian dishes, soups, dips, sauces and any comforting dish. This is the perfect bread to start if you have never made bread before.

This bread is full of fresh flavor, chewy, and easy to make. The bread basically makes itself. We like to use a dutch oven when making this bread but there really is no need for an special pans.

Since there is no kneading involved, you can keep the mixer in the cabinet. The 3 ingredients are simple bread ingredients. But feel free add in your favorite fresh herbs, cheeses, or spices for added flavor.

Fresh baked bread is always a good addition to any meal. Since this recipe is so easy to make we find every reason to make it.

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Ingredients for No Knead Artisan Bread:

Artisan bread is a chewy, crusty bread that is made with simple ingredients. There is no need for eggs or milk, just simple bread ingredients that makes this Artisan bread so delicious.

  • Flour – We used all purpose flour in this recipe, but you can also use bread flour. Using bread flour does result in a stronger, chewier bread.
  • Salt – We recommend using a course salt instead of a table salt in this recipe. This makes for a better bread and flavor.
  • Yeast – Instant Yeast is the best yeast for this recipe. You can also use active yeast any quick rise or instant yeast can be used for this recipe. Just use what you have.
  • Water – We recommend using room temperature water. This allows the ingredients to mix the together. The cooler water the longer it takes for the bread to rise.

Can you believe that you need so little to make homemade bread?! This recipe is so easy!

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How to Make Artisan Bread Recipe:

  • Step 1 – In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt and instant yeast.
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  • Step 2 – It is totally optional, but you can add seasonings to the bread. While you are mixing the ingredients together add any additional ingredients. Some ideas include cheese, raisins or any seasonings you like.
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  • Step 3 – Stir in warm water. The dough will be very sticky but this is ok.
  • Step 4 – Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it set out for 12-18 hours. I know it seems like a long time, but it will be worth it and the bread will be amazing!
  • Step 5 – Preheat the oven to 450. Artisan bread calls for baking the bread in a cast iron pot with a lid (such as a Le Creuset).
  • Step 6 – I do not have one of these fancy pots (though I’d love one). So I used an old crockpot liner. Please don’t ask why I have an old crockpot liner, that’s a whole other story.
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  • Step 7 – Anyway, this worked great for baking this bread. I did remove the handle from the lid since it is plastic. Place the pot and lid in the heated oven. Let sit in the oven for 30 minutes.
  • Step 8 – While the pot is heating through, take the super sticky dough out of the bowl. Place on a very floured surface. Shape into a ball (do not knead it). Cover with the plastic wrap you were using earlier.
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  • Step 9 – Once the pot is ready, remove it from the oven. Place the super sticky dough in the HOT, HOT pot. Please be very careful.
  • Step 10 – Put the lid on top. I am using the old crockpot liner without the handle on the lid. I put my lid on upside down for easier removal later. Bake at 450 F for 30 minutes.
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  • Step 11 – Your bread will look beautiful with the texture being golden brown. Remove the lid and bake another 15 minutes.
  • Step 12 – Wala! Remove the bread from the pot and let cool on a wire rack. Your house should smell wonderful and you should feel very proud. What a creation. Enjoy!

Do I need to Refrigerate Dough?

If you have the time, we recommend refrigerating the dough after the dough has risen. This slows down the fermentation of the yeast which means the dough stops rising.

This creates a flavorful bread by letting the dough rise and then refrigerate.

Measuring the Flour:

This recipe calls for 3 cups of flour. Make sure to measure accurately by using a measuring cup to measure the flour. This make sure that you do not add to much flour.

If adding to much flour it could leave to dense bread. Use a knife to flatten the top of the bread before adding it to the mixing bowl.

What to Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread:

  • Homemade Butter There is nothing better than homemade butter when you make fresh bread.
  • Soups – We love having fresh bread when we make our favorite soups. Top with butter, for dipping, or to crumble in the soup.
  • Stews – Beef stew is our favorite stew to serve with this Artisan Bread.
  • Italian Food – Make a large pot of spaghetti or lasagna and serve some of this fresh bread.
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Recipe Tips:

  • Flour – We used all purpose flour for this recipe but you can also use bread flour. Substitute 1:1 for bread flour if you prefer. We do not recommend using whole wheat flour, but you can the texture may be a little different.
  • Yeast – You can use instant or active dry yeast in this recipe. But we recommend a quick rise yeast. Using quick rise yeast allows for the bread to rise faster, active dry yeast will take longer.
  • Salt – We recommend using course salt in this recipe instead of table salt. The flavor is a little different but use what you have.
  • Water – Use cool water when mixing the ingredients.
  • Loaf Shape – We like to shape the dough in a round loaf and then place in a dutch oven. You can also separate the dough into two parts.
  • Dutch Oven – We like to use a dutch oven to bake the bread in. But any pot will work. Line the pot with parchment paper to prevent from sticking to the pot.
  • Pizza Stone – You can bake your bread on a pizza stone. Preheat the pizza stone in the oven, then place the round shaped dough and bake accordingly.
  • Nonstick Pan – If you are using a nonstick pan, line with parchment paper. Make sure to double check how high the temperature of your oven can be to bake with parchment paper. You may need to lower the temperature of your oven.
  • Add in Flavor – You can add in flavor to this basic bread recipe. Fresh herbs such as minced garlic cloves, chopped rosemary, or any of your favorite herbs. You can also add in cheese, sliced jalapenos, cranberries, nuts or garlic powder. Really anything you prefer.
  • Work Surface – As you are preparing the dough, flour the work surface. Make sure that you do not get a lot of flour in the dough as it could change the texture.
  • Sharp Knife – Make sure to cut bread with a sharp knife on a cutting board.
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What is the Best Flour to use for Artisan Bread?

We used all purpose flour for this recipe, but bread flour is always a good option. Bread flour gives the bread a chewy texture and amazing flavor.

We did have good results with all purpose flour as that was all we had so use what you have.

How to Make Ahead:

This is the perfect bread to make ahead of time. You can make the bread and wrap and place in the refrigerator. The bread will stay fresh up to 3 days if stored properly.

I like it warm it in the microwave and top with butter before serving.

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Shaping the Bread:

There is no need to worry about the shape of the bread. Since it is Artisan bread we love the rustic look it gives when it is baked.

Uneven parts of the bread gives it the crispy texture.

Freezing Instructions:

There are two ways that you can freeze this bread. You can freeze the bread after it is made or freeze the dough.

Freezing the Cooked Artisan Bread:

  • Bake bread as directed and cool completely.
  • Cover bread with plastic wrap and aluminum and place in the freezer.
  • The bread will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw the dough in the refrigerator and heat and serve.

Freezing the Dough:

  • If you prefer you can freeze the dough.
  • Prepare the dough as directed and wrap in plastic wrap.
  • Place in a freezer friendly container or zip lock bag.
  • It will freeze well for up to 3 months.
  • When ready to bake, thaw dough overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Bake as directed and serve.
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Why we Love Artisan Bread:

  • Easy to Make – This Artisan Bread recipe is the easiest bread recipe that you will ever make. With only 3 ingredients you can have fresh bread any day of the week.
  • Amazing Texture – This bread is crusty, chewy, soft and delicious.
  • Shape – You can shape bread any way you would like.
  • No Equipment needed – There is no need for a bread machine or any special mixer. You can prepare this bread with a simple bowl and a wooden spoon.
  • Simple Ingredients – You will be amazed that these 3 simple ingredients are just what you need to make an amazing bread recipe.

The Best Bread Recipe:

Bread is a must when we are making soups, stews, really any type of comfort food. We don’t always make homemade bread but when we do, my family thinks I spent all day on it.

It is worth the time and mixing the ingredients and allow the dough to rise to have fresh baked bread. I love fresh out of the oven bread and this recipe doesn’t disappoint.

Top with oil, butter or your favorite homemade jelly recipe. Use it for dipping in your favorite sauce or make a grilled cheese sandwich. Top with cheese and broil for a few minutes for a delicious cheesy bread.

This would be the perfect bread to make for the holidays or for a weeknight meal.

Print this Artisan Sourdough Bread Recipe below:

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Review

Pin Print

Crusty Artisan Bread

4.86 from 28 votes

Artisan Bread Recipe only requires 3 simple ingredients and you can have homemade bread at home with little effort. Try this artisan sourdough bread recipe.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Rising time 12 hours hrs

Total Time 13 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings 9

Cuisine American

Course Side Dish

Calories 154

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour
  • teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon yeast this is a small portion of what is in a small packet of yeast
  • cups water

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt and yeast.

  • **If you want to add anything to the bread (seasonings, cheese, raisins) add it in now.

  • Stir in water. The dough will be very sticky.

  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let set out for 12-18 hours. I know it seems like a long time, but it will be worth it!

  • Heat oven to 450 F (or 230 C). Now here is where the original recipe differs from what I did. The original recipes uses a cast iron pot with a lid (such as a Le Creuset). I do not have one of these fancy shmancy pots (though I’d love one!), so I used an old crockpot liner. Please don’t ask why I have an old crockpot liner, that’s a whole other story. Anyway, this worked great for baking this bread! I did remove the handle from the lid since it is plastic!! Now back to the recipe – place the pot and lid in the heated oven. Let sit in the oven for 30 minutes.

  • While the pot is heating through, take the super sticky dough out of the bowl and place on a very floured surface. Shape into a ball (do not knead it). Cover with the plastic wrap you were using earlier.

  • Once the pot is ready, remove it from the oven. Place the super sticky dough in the HOT, HOT pot. Please be very careful!! Put the lid on top. (Since I am using the old crockpot liner without the handle on the lid, I put my lid on upside down for easier removal later.) Bake at 450 F for 30 minutes.

  • Your bread will look beautiful. Remove the lid and bake another 15 minutes.

  • Wala! Remove the bread from the pot and let cool on a wire rack. Your house should smell wonderful and you should feel very proud. What a creation. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 154kcal, Carbohydrates 32g, Protein 5g, Fat 1g, Saturated Fat 1g, Sodium 455mg, Potassium 51mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 1g, Calcium 8mg, Iron 2mg

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Find more easy bread recipes:

  • How to make Naan Bread
  • Indian Fry Bread Recipe
  • Kings Hawaiian Rolls recipe
  • Homemade Pretzel Bites
  • Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Easy Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe (17)

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About the Author

Easy Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe (26)

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

About Carrie Page
Easy Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the four basic ingredients in bread? ›

There are only four yeast bread ingredients you really need: flour, yeast, water, and salt. All the other ingredients in a recipe are there to add flavor, nutrition, color, and to change the characteristics of the crumb.

How do you make artisan bread taste better? ›

You can also add herbs and seasonings such as garlic, rosemary, dill, chopped onion, jalapeño, shredded cheese, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, etc. My no yeast bread is the quick bread alternative here—you can add flavors to that loaf, too! Baker's Tip: Avoid adding too much flour to the dough as you work with it.

What is the secret to success when making quick breads? ›

Quick breads are typically mixed by hand, and it's important not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to develop, resulting in a tough and chewy bread. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined, and then stop. If there are a few lumps in the batter, that's okay.

Why do you put vinegar in homemade bread? ›

And It's not just cakes that benefit from a touch of vinegar, but also biscuits, muffins, and even bread. So when it comes to bread, it's the same concept – vinegar inhibits gluten formation which leads to a more relaxed and extensible dough, resulting in a less dense and chewy bread.

What ingredient makes bread soft and fluffy? ›

Milk powder.

Instant milk powder makes bread dough super soft and fluffy and also helps to give it a good rise. It also contributes to the dough staying nice and soft after baking for a little longer than a recipe that does not use milk powder.

What is the most important ingredient in bread? ›

Wheat flour is the key ingredient in most breads. Flour quality is particularly important in breadmaking as the quality of the flour will have a significant impact on the finished product. When flour is moistened and stirred, beaten or kneaded, gluten develops to give dough `stretch`.

Which is the strongest flour? ›

Bread Flour: With a protein content of 12 to 14 percent, bread flour is the strongest of all flours, providing the most structural support. This is especially important in yeasted breads, where a strong gluten network is required to contain the CO2 gases produced during fermentation.

Why is my homemade artisan bread so dense? ›

A “tight crumb” aka small holes in the interior of your bread can be the result of different factors: under-fermenting, over-fermenting, and a lack of gluten development. The most confounding part of sourdough bread baking is that the rise times of recipes are just a suggestion or range.

What gives bread the best flavor? ›

Fat. If you're looking to ramp up the taste of your favorite bread recipe, we recommend adding a bit of fat. A fat like butter, olive oil or coconut oil in small quantities will help your bread achieve a higher rise and it will also boost its flavor by tenfold.

When to add nuts to bread dough? ›

Sometimes you add dried fruit and nuts when you are first mixing your dough. This is a good idea if you have soaked them before using them as the soaking water will make a difference to the hydration of your dough and it might end up being too wet if you add them later.

What's the purpose of an egg in a quick bread? ›

Eggs also act as an emulsifier. By surrounding small particles of fat, the egg helps make the quick bread batter smoother, thus contributing to volume and texture. In addition, when eggs are beaten, they incorporate tiny air bubbles that expand with heat in the oven, contributing to volume.

What is the main thing to avoid when making quick breads? ›

Ensure you follow the recipe closely. Baking is a science, and certain ingredients like flour and leavening agents need to be measured and added exactly how the recipe suggests. Avoid overmixing the batter as it can lead to tough, dense quick bread that may sink in the middle.

What is the secret to making bread rise? ›

The warm, humid temperatures help the dough rise beautifully. But in the winter, it can be hard to get the lift you need in a colder home. That's because doughs proof best in warmer temps—around 80º is just right for yeast. If your kitchen is too cold, the yeast doesn't have the right atmosphere to help the dough rise.

What makes homemade bread light and fluffy? ›

Adding sugar weakens the gluten structure, absorbs water, and eventually makes the bread lighter and softer. As a result, sugar improves the bread's taste, structure and texture. Yeast also eats up sugar to produce carbon dioxide, which raises the dough and makes bread fluffy.

What makes homemade bread better? ›

That said, most homemade breads are likely healthier than store-bought breads, which are often high in sugar and preservatives. One benefit of making your own bread is that you can control the ingredients. For example, you can use whole wheat flour instead of white flour, or add healthy toppings like nuts and seeds.

What is the most important step in bread making? ›

Kneading. Kneading involves stretching and folding the dough in a rhythmical manner that develops the gluten in the flour and releases excess gas. Any large gas holes that may have formed during rising are released by kneading and so a more even distribution of both gas bubbles and temperature also results.

Is there a trick to slicing homemade bread? ›

Place your hand on top of the bread to keep it horizontal, and cut at a 45-degree angle using your serrated bread knife. The angle is very important here, as many people will begin cutting the end of the bread where it is very hard and crusty, causing the knife to slide off onto their hand." Use the right knife.

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