You can make bakery-style artisan bread at home! My incredibly easy recipe can rise overnight or the same day. Naturally egg and dairy free! Recipe includes a how-to video.
My Favorite Artisan Bread
Today I’m sharing an amazingly simple and EASY recipe for artisan bread. It has the same great flavor and texture we all love about this type of bread, but is incredibly simple to make. I’m talking mere minutes of hands-on time!
Not to be confused with your average sandwich bread, artisan bread is the rustic and hearty type best saved for dipping in soups (though it tastes great on its own or slathered with honey butter). It has a thick, chewy crust and a soft interior. The crumb is slightly moist and chewy, and it often has large air pockets, especially if you let it ferment overnight in the fridge.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Choice of two preparation methods; either let the dough rise at room temperature for a few hours, or let it rise overnight in the fridge (and you can do this right after preparing–no need to let it rise on the counter first). Some people say the bread tastes better after a night in the fridge, and while I find this to be true for my sourdough bread, I personally don’t feel like it makes a huge difference.
- Pairs well with so many dishes, from beef stew and shepherd’s pie to garlic butter shrimp and broccoli cheddar soup.
- Naturally egg-free and dairy-free, and you can even make it sugar-free if you choose to omit the sugar.
- Bake in a variety of vessels! A Dutch oven is best for baking artisan bread, but I know not everyone has one. To make this recipe accessible to everyone, I included options for baking in different pots/pans in the recipe notes.
And don’t forget–this recipe is EASY! While there’s some substantial time required for the bread to rise, that’s all hands-off and there’s less than a half hour of actual hands-on time required.
What You Need
With so few ingredients (only five!), it’s very important that each one you add be high quality. Here’s what you need to make my homemade artisan bread!
- Bread flour. Using a bread flour will yield a nicer final result, since bread flour contains more protein than regular all-purpose flour. You will need 3 ½ cups for the bread itself, plus more for dusting your work surface. In a pinch, you could substitute an equal amount of all-purpose flour.
- Yeast. Use instant or rapid rise yeast and make sure it’s fresh and not expired before you get started.
- Warm water. Make sure your water is 115F; if it’s too hot, it could kill your yeast, and if it’s too cold, your yeast might not activate.
- Sugar. This is optional and your bread will be fine without it, but I like to add the sugar because it helps the yeast and also adds a slight subtle depth of flavor (but not sweetness) to the bread.
- Salt. For flavor, of course! Regular table salt works just fine here.
SAM’S TIP: It’s very normal if your dough is sticky, as this is a high hydration dough. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the flour on your work surface and on your hands to make the dough easier to handle.
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!
How to Make Artisan Bread
- Whisk the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt together, then stir in the warm water. Mix until everything is combined, then cover with plastic and let rise until doubled in size (or place in the fridge overnight).
- Form the dough into a ball on a generously floured surface. Add as much flour as you need here to make the dough easy to manage–it will be sticky!.
- Stretch and fold: Grab the top of the dough and fold it over the bottom, then turn the dough 90 degrees and repeat. Do this a total of four times. I demonstrate this in the video below if you need a visual!
- Form the dough onto a ball (you want it nice and round, the taller it is here the taller your loaf will be), then place in the center of a large piece of parchment paper. We will use this as a sling to transfer our dough to our pan. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let sit while your oven preheats.
- Lower your bread into your pan using the parchment sling. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Let the bread cool in its pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.
SAM’S TIP: If you are using one, place your dutch oven in your oven while it preheats. This will create an ideal baking environment for your bread. Note that you need to be careful handling the pot and lid after it comes out of the oven–it will be very hot!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! While a dutch oven is ideal, you can bake artisan bread in a loaf pan if that’s what you have on hand. I provide instructions for how to bake in a 9×5″ bread pan or on a cookie sheet in the recipe notes below.
Note that I do recommend having two 9×5 loaf pans so you can use one as a lid. Tented foil can also work if you don’t have two pans.
Yes! Make sure to let it cool completely, then wrap it really well and place in a freezer safe bag or container. I recommend enjoying your artisan bread within 3-6 months for best flavor. You can also slice the bread before freezing it to easily defrost one slice at a time (if I do this I usually individually wrap each slice to help ward off freezer burn).
To thaw, let the bread sit on the counter for a few hours to thaw, or toast individual slices in the toaster. You can also warm up in a 350F preheated oven for a few (about ten) minutes.
Unlike many store-bought breads, homemade artisan bread doesn’t include any processed ingredients or preservatives. So yes, you could say it is a healthier option!
What other bread recipes would you like to see this year? Let me know in the comments below!
Enjoy!
Let’s bake together! Subscribe to my newsletter to be notified of all the newest recipes, and find my free recipe tutorials on YouTube 💜
Artisan Bread
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups (437 g) bread flour plus more if needed
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g) instant yeast
- 1 Tablespoon (12 g) granulated sugar optional
- 1 ½ teaspoons (10 g) salt
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water 115F/46C
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.3 ½ cups (437 g) bread flour, 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g) instant yeast, 1 Tablespoon (12 g) granulated sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons (10 g) salt
- Add warm water and stir until combined. Dough will be sticky.1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap and place in a warm place to rise until doubled in volume, usually 2-3 hours. Alternatively, cover the dough, let it rest for 15-20 minutes, and refrigerate overnight or up to 48 hours. The next day, remove from the fridge and let it rest for 20 minutes before proceeding with the next step.
- Scrape risen dough out onto a generously floured surface and form into a ball with your hands. If the dough is too sticky to handle, sprinkle a light amount of flour over the surface, adding more as needed to handle/shape the dough.
- Stretch and fold: Grasp the dough at the top (think 12 o’clock, if the dough were a clock face) and stretch it over the bottom (6 o’clock). Turn the dough 90 degrees and repeat. Repeat this step two more times for a total of 4 stretch and folds. I demonstrate this in the photos above and in the video, if a visual helps!
- Use your hands to form the dough into a ball again (don't be afraid to shape it, you want it to be more round than flat!), place on a large piece of parchment paper (the parchment should be large enough that you can lift it up and lower it into a Dutch oven), and lightly cover with plastic wrap.
- Allow dough to rest, covered, for 30 minutes. As it rests, preheat oven to 450F (230C) and place a 4qt Dutch oven (with lid) in the center rack of your oven.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove Dutch oven from the oven. Score your bread down the middle, remove the lid off of the Dutch oven, and gently lower the parchment paper and bread into the pot. Place lid on top, and return to 450F (230C) oven.
- Bake for 30 minutes with the lid on, then remove lid and allow to bake for another 10 minutes. I like to check the internal temperature of my bread with an instant read thermometer to be sure it's finished baking, look for an internal temperature of 195-200F (90-93C) in the thickest part of the bread.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool in Dutch oven for 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to carefully lift the loaf from the pot and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing. Do let the bread cool until no longer warm to the touch or the interior will be gummy.
Notes
Video Note
I accidentally say to return the pot to the (350F) oven once the bread is added. I misspoke! You want the oven to remain at 450F the entire time.Baking in different dishes:
A 4 qt Dutch oven works best for this recipe, but you do have some other options that will work, too: 9×5” bread pan: After the “stretch and fold” process, gently roll dough into a loaf shape, tucking the ends under. Place in a greased bread pan and let sit, covered, for 30 minutes while oven preheats. After 30 minutes, score bread, cover pan with an inverted loaf pan (or tent with foil) and bake in 450F (230C) oven for 20 minutes, then remove the “lid” and bake another 10 minutes. Bake on a cookie sheet: After dough has risen, (step 3) scrape onto a generously floured surface and divide into two pieces. Form each into a ball, and follow the “stretch & fold” instructions in the recipe for each. Place on parchment paper lined cookie sheet, cover lightly with plastic wrap, and sit for 30 minutes while oven preheats (space the dough as it will increase in size). After rising, score each loaf and bake in 450F (230C) oven for 17-20 minutes. Larger Dutch oven: Baking time will likely be reduced and bread will be flatter.Flour
An equal amount of all-purpose flour could be substituted in a pinch.Storing
Wrap tightly or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bread may also be tightly wrapped (or sliced and individual slices wrapped) and frozen for several months. To thaw, let sit at room temperature for several hours or toast individual slices. Whole loaves may also be rewarmed in 350F/175C oven for several minutes.Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Tammela Lee Reynoldson
Your recipe said to preheat oven to 450 degrees . After bread has sat for 30 minutes and your Dutch oven is preheated ….. and is ready…… you said to put bread with the parchment paper in the Dutch oven at 350 degrees. Do you back at 350 or 450 degree oven?
Sam Merritt
Hi Tammela! You will want to bake this on 450. 🙂
Ruth Dawiczyk
I was wondering if I can use part bread flour and part rye flour with this recipe and can I add some caraway seeds ?
Sam Merritt
Hi Ruth! Rye flour is going to be a bit “thirstier” so you may need to make adjustments. Without having tried it I can’t say for sure how to do it. You could fold some caraway seeds in during the stretch and fold process. 🙂
Michele
Hi Sam, If I wanted to make in a 6 qt cast iron dutch oven, what do you think about making 1.5 of the recipe, and keeping the instructions the same? Would just be a bigger loaf of the same other characteristics, do you think?
Sam Merritt
Hi Michele! I haven’t personally tried it, but I think that could work. Your bake time may be a bit longer. Let me know how it goes if you try it! 🙂
Leah
Love this recipe and have made many times. I was wondering though about any tips to prevent the bottom crust from becoming too hard and thick? I’m using a Dutch oven to bake it as well. Thanks!
Sam Merritt
Hi Leah! Using parchment paper, and even doubling it up can help. I have also heard of people raising the oven rack or putting a tray on a rack between the heating element and dutch oven. I hope this helps. 🙂
Janet Birch
Very easy. With many compliments. The
Laura
if I put the dough in the refrigerator, do I need to let it come back to room temperature before I bake it?
Sam Merritt
Hi Laura! You will want to remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit for 20 minutes before continuing. 🙂
Cyndi
My first time ever! It’s awesome and I’m so proud! Thank you! 🩷
Casey @ Sugar Spun Run
So glad you loved the bread, Cyndi!
Laurie
The dough was extremely wet. I unable to handle it. Seemed there was too much water.
Sam Merritt
I’m sorry to hear this happened, Laurie! Did you weigh your flour? Is it possible you accidentally added too much water? You can watch me make the bread in the video just above the recipe if that helps. I hope it goes better next time. 🙂
Thomas Cobbs
MY GO TO! The best Family Bread! Easy to add whatever you want!
Casey @ Sugar Spun Run
We’re so glad you enjoyed this, Thomas! Thanks so much for making it your go to!
Debra
I love your website.
Can I use ap flour if I don’t have bread flour?
Casey @ Sugar Spun Run
Hi Debra, if you don’t have bread flour you could swap an equal amount of ap flour! Hope you enjoy!
Caroline
Help! I am trying your recipe and wanted to do the option of refrigerating it over night. I covered it and waited 15 minutes, then put it in the fridge. My husband thinks I should have let it rise for the 2-3 hours first, then refrigerate it and bake the next day. Did I do it wrong by not letting it rise first?? Did I ruin it?
Thanks!
Sam Merritt
Hi Caroline! If refrigerating overnight there is no need for it to rise first. It will rise in the refrigerator. It’s just a much slower process. 🙂
Erica Bowers
I made this recipe recently and loved it – so easy! Your site is always my go to for any recipe. I was wondering, if I wanted to add chocolate chips into this bread, would I just sprinkle them in during the stretch and fold?
Sam Merritt
I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Erica! You can add them in during the stretch and fold process. 🙂
Jeanne
Great recipe…turned out perfectly. I used half the amount of sugar. Thanks for sharing it!
Aubrey
The weight conversions are not correct. I tried making this recipe by weight and the flour was swimming in the water. When I measured by cups, I got 547g, so I wouldn’t follow the weight recipe!
Sam Merritt
Hi Aubrey! Is it possible you over-measured your water? The gram conversion here is accurate and what I actually use to make the bread in my own kitchen.
Aubrey Stevenson
When I measure 3.5 cups of sifted bread flour into a bowl, I get 547g, every time. When I measured by cups, the recipe worked normally.
Sam Merritt
Are you weighing the bowl too? This just doesn’t make any sense at all, I’m not sure how it’s even physically possible. You can take a peek at the video made using the exact weights listed (in the recipe card) or see my post on how to measure flour if that helps, but I maintain that these measurements are absolutely correct and I would not recommend anyone use more flour.
Pamela
I have made this recipe for husband and I we love it
Pam
I have made this recipe for husband and I we love it
Julie
Wonderful recipe. This is my go to recipe for bread and rolls!. I’ve tried others and settled on this one as my favorite and easy to follow. now that I’ve mastered this….it’s on to Sourdough. Wish me luck!,😀
Casey @ Sugar Spun Run
We’re so glad you love this recipe, Julie! We can’t wait for you to try out the sourdough!
Sarah
What is the cooking time for using a larger Dutch oven (5 1/2 Qt)?
Sam Merritt
Hi Sarah! I haven’t personally done it so I can’t say for sure how long it would take to bake in a 5.5 qt.
Rose
Hello Sam, can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast? Thank you in advance!
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Hi Rose! We haven’t tried it, but we think it could work. Let us know how it goes for you if you do try it!
Sandra
I tried recipe using both instant yeast and active yeast, both came out delicious. For active yeast I had to put yeast in a separate cup and add warm water, I also added a bit of the sugar from the recipe. I had to wait about 10 minutes for yeast to get foamy, then I followed the recipe as written. I love this bread recipe, best bread ever!