This Artisan Bread Recipe is the ultimate no-fuss homemade bread with just four simple ingredients. It delivers a bakery-style crust and soft, airy interior with minimal effort—perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crisp, golden crust with a chewy center
- No kneading required
- Made with only pantry staples
- Family-friendly and budget-friendly
- Flexible timing for better flavor
Ingredients
- 3 and 1/4 cups (about 430g) bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) water (room temperature)
- Optional: cornmeal for dusting pan
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, yeast, and salt. Add water and mix until a sticky, shaggy dough forms.
- Shape into a rough ball, cover tightly, and let rise at room temperature for 2–3 hours until doubled.
- For best results, refrigerate the dough for 12–18 hours (or up to 3 days).
- Dust a baking sheet with flour or cornmeal. Turn dough onto a floured surface and divide into two portions.
- Shape into long loaves and place on the baking sheet. Cover loosely and rest for 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 475°F (246°C).
- Score each loaf with shallow cuts.
- Optional: Add a pan of boiling water in the oven to create steam for a crisp crust.
- Bake the Artisan Bread Recipe for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding.
- Cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Tricks
- Use bread flour for the best structure and chew
- Sticky dough is normal—avoid adding too much extra flour
- Longer refrigeration enhances flavor and texture
- Steam in the oven creates a bakery-style crust
- Score deeply enough to control how the bread expands
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Rise Time: 2–3 hours (plus optional 12–18 hours chill)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: Up to 20 hours (with resting)
- Yield: 2 loaves
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Diet: Vegan
Notes
- You can shape into round boules instead of long loaves
- Add herbs like rosemary or garlic for variation
- Serve with olive oil, butter, or alongside soups
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 1g
FAQ
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly less chewy.
Why is my dough so sticky?
This is normal for artisan-style bread and helps create air pockets.
Do I have to refrigerate the dough?
No, but it significantly improves flavor.
How do I know the bread is done?
It should sound hollow when tapped or reach 195°F (90°C) internally.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, after the first rise, freeze and thaw in the fridge before baking.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Up to 5 days (loosely covered)
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
- Freezer: Slice and freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Warm in oven at 300°F for 10 minutes
Similar Recipes
Artisan Bread Recipe (4 Ingredients)
Easy artisan bread with just 4 ingredients.No kneading required for a crispy crust and soft inside.Perfect homemade bread for beginners.
Ingredients
- 3 and 1/4 cups about 430g bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 1 and 1/2 cups 360ml water (room temperature)
- Optional: cornmeal for dusting pan
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, yeast, and salt. Add water and mix until a sticky, shaggy dough forms.
- Shape into a rough ball, cover tightly, and let rise at room temperature for 2–3 hours until doubled.
- For best results, refrigerate the dough for 12–18 hours (or up to 3 days).
- Dust a baking sheet with flour or cornmeal. Turn dough onto a floured surface and divide into two portions.
- Shape into long loaves and place on the baking sheet. Cover loosely and rest for 45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 475°F (246°C).
- Score each loaf with shallow cuts.
- Optional: Add a pan of boiling water in the oven to create steam for a crisp crust.
- Bake the Artisan Bread Recipe for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding.
- Cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- You can shape into round boules instead of long loaves
- Add herbs like rosemary or garlic for variation
- Serve with olive oil, butter, or alongside soups
Conclusion
This Artisan Bread Recipe proves that incredible homemade bread doesn’t need to be complicated. With just four ingredients and a little patience, you’ll get a rustic, bakery-quality loaf every time.