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Simple 4-Ingredient Artisan Bread Recipe

Creating artisan bread at home brings together quality ingredients, time-honored techniques, and the deeply satisfying process of crafting a rustic, crusty loaf with a tender, airy interior.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Servings: 1 artisan loaf
Course: Bread
Cuisine: Artisan
Calories: 140
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast 2¼ teaspoons
  • 1.25 cups warm water 110°F/43°C

Method
 

  1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl and let activate for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
  3. Pour activated yeast mixture into flour and stir until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
  4. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Turn dough onto floured surface and gently shape into a round loaf.
  6. Place shaped dough on parchment, cover, and let rise 30-60 minutes while preheating oven to 450°F (230°C) with Dutch oven inside.
  7. Carefully transfer dough into hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake 30 minutes.
  8. Remove lid and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Cool on wire rack at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, the first rise may be extended up to 18 hours in the refrigerator. High hydration dough ensures the open crumb typical of quality artisan loaves.