Simple Artisan Bread Recipe with 4 Ingredients
A crusty yummy artisan bread recipe is straightforward and requires only four basic ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast. It produces a crusty, flavorful loaf that is perfect for sandwiches or enjoying with butter.
The process is easy to follow, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. With minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy freshly baked bread right from your oven.
Creating the Perfect Artisan Bread
Artisan bread is a delightful addition to any meal, offering a combination of crispy crust and soft, airy interior. The beauty of this bread lies in its simplicity, requiring just four basic ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast. This straightforward approach makes it accessible for bakers of all levels.
With minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy the satisfaction of pulling a freshly baked loaf from your oven. The process involves mixing, rising, and baking, allowing for a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.
The Ingredients You Need
To embark on your bread-making journey, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
These simple components come together to create a loaf that is not only delicious but also versatile. Whether served alongside a hearty soup or enjoyed with a pat of butter, this bread is sure to please.
The Bread-Making Process
The process of making artisan bread is straightforward. Start by mixing the flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Gradually add warm water, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. This initial step sets the foundation for your loaf.
After mixing, cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for about two hours. This first rise is essential, allowing the dough to double in size and develop flavor.
Shaping and Second Rise
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently form it into a round loaf. This step requires minimal handling, preserving the air pockets that contribute to the bread’s texture.
Next, place the shaped dough on floured parchment paper and cover it with a towel. Allow it to rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and crust.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) about 20 minutes before baking. This ensures that the Dutch oven is hot enough to create a steamy environment, which is key to a crusty exterior.
Carefully transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover it, and bake for 30 minutes. After this initial baking period, remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the loaf reaches a beautiful golden brown color.
Cooling and Enjoying
Once baked, transfer the artisan bread to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period is essential for the bread to set properly, allowing you to achieve clean slices.
When ready to enjoy, slice the bread and serve it with butter or your favorite spread. The rustic appearance, combined with the inviting aroma, makes this artisan bread a delightful centerpiece for any meal.
Easy 4-Ingredient Artisan Bread
This artisan bread features a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior. The recipe takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and yields one large loaf.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast. Gradually add warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: After the first rise, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf without kneading.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on a floured parchment paper and cover it with a towel. Let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: About 20 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
- Bake the Bread: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Lift the parchment with the dough and place it inside. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool: Once baked, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
