Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe

There’s something magical about pulling a golden, crackling loaf of bread from your own oven—and this Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe turns that dream into an everyday reality. With just a handful of honest ingredients and a little patience, you’ll create bakery-style bread at home, with a crust that sings and a chewy, flavorful crumb that practically begs for butter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe is how it transforms simple, everyday staples into a show-stopping loaf. Each ingredient here truly matters, from the unabashed flavor of coarse salt to the subtle bite of good bread flour.

• Bread Flour: The higher protein content creates a chewy texture and that classic artisan bakery structure—you can use all-purpose in a pinch, but bread flour is your best friend here.
• Instant Yeast: This makes the bread reliably rise without any tricky proofing steps, giving your loaf gorgeous air pockets and lift.
• Coarse Salt: Go for a good coarse or sea salt; it wakes up the flavor in every single bite. Regular table salt will work, but use a little less.
• Water: Just cool, clean water at about 70°F/21°C brings everything together into a soft, sticky dough and fuels that beautiful rise.
• Cornmeal (optional): For a rustic touch and a little nonstick magic on the pan, dust with cornmeal right before baking.

Variations

The magic of this bread is how easy it is to adapt! Whether you have fresh herbs to use up, want to make it a little cheesier, or crave something a bit sweet, this Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe is the perfect blank canvas for your creative flourishes.

• Herb & Garlic Bread: Add minced garlic and chopped fresh rosemary or thyme right into the dry ingredients for aromatic, savory loaves.
• Cheese & Jalapeño: Mix in shredded cheese and diced jalapeño for a zesty, gooey twist that’s irresistible fresh from the oven.
• Sweet Cranberry & Nut: Fold in dried cranberries and chopped walnuts for a hint of sweetness and crunch—wonderful for breakfast or tea.
• Shape It Your Way: Try shaping the dough into a classic boule (round loaf) or even bake it up in a Dutch oven for extra crustiness and dramatic presentation.

How to Make Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large, ungreased mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, instant yeast, and coarse salt. Pour in the water and stir with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon. At first, the dough will look shaggy and almost too dry—keep going! Work the dough until all the flour is moistened (switch to using your hands if needed). You’re aiming for a sticky, rustic ball with no dry pockets left.

Step 2: The First Rise

Keep the dough in the bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Let it rise at room temperature for 2-3 hours. You’ll see it double in size and develop glorious air bubbles that promise a beautiful open crumb. Don’t rush—this is where the magic starts!

Step 3: Chill for Deeper Flavor

For truly artisan bread, resist the urge to shape and bake right away. Let your dough rest, covered, in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours (and up to 3 days). This extra time develops richer, more complex flavor and an even chewier texture—trust me, it’s worth it!

Step 4: Shape the Loaves

Lightly dust a large nonstick baking sheet with flour and (if you like) cornmeal. Turn out the cold dough onto a floured surface, cut in half, and gently shape each piece into a long, rustic loaf about 9×3 inches. Place them on the baking sheet several inches apart. Loosely cover and let them rest for 45 minutes while you preheat your oven to a hot 475°F (246°C).

Step 5: Score & Bake

Right before baking, use a sharp knife or bread lame to make three shallow slashes across each loaf. (This helps them rise beautifully in the oven.) For an extra-crispy crust, add steam: place a metal pan on the lower oven rack and pour boiling water in as the bread goes in to bake. Bake the loaves on the center rack for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Let them cool at least 20 minutes before slicing—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Dress up your slices with a glossy brush of olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a rustic touch, or rub a cut garlic clove over the just-baked crust for irresistible aroma. A pat of butter melting into the warm crumb is always a winner, too!

Side Dishes

This bread is a chameleon—serve thick slices alongside steaming bowls of soup, nestle it next to a seasonal salad, or pile it high with cured meats and cheeses for an effortless charcuterie board. Honestly, it makes a dreamy breakfast with a little jam or honey, too!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe in a rustic bread basket lined with a linen napkin, or slice it on a big wooden board with a tiny pot of salted butter on the side. For parties, make crostini or bruschetta with thin, toasted slices piled high with toppings—it’s a guaranteed hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, just wrap your bread loosely in foil or a clean kitchen towel and store it at room temperature for up to five days. Avoid plastic wrap, which can soften the crust—unless you prefer a chewier top!

Freezing

This Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Let your loaf cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to three months. You can even freeze the unbaked dough (after the first rise)—just thaw overnight in the fridge before shaping and baking.

Reheating

To revive your bread’s crust, pop slices or whole loaves in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 7–10 minutes, or right onto the rack for even heat. A light mist of water on the crust before reheating can help restore that irresistible crunch!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wondered whether homemade bread is worth the effort—let this be the recipe that answers with a resounding yes. The Homemade Artisan Bread Recipe puts bakery magic at your fingertips, and there’s nothing more satisfying than sharing a warm, crusty loaf you made from scratch. Go on, give it a try—you’ve got this, and your kitchen will smell amazing!

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