Name: Artisan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-485364H58M28S
Total time: PT-485364H58M28S
Cuisine: Artisan
Ingredients: 3 cups (395 grams) all-purpose flour or bread flour; ½ tablespoon kosher salt; ¼ ounce instant or active dry yeast packet (or 2 ¼ teaspoons); 1 ½ cups warm water (105°F)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This artisan bread recipe is incredibly simple yet yields a crusty, flavorful loaf with a tender crumb. The no-knead method means minimal effort and maximum results, perfect for busy days or novice bakers. Plus, the slow fermentation process develops rich flavor and a beautiful texture that rivals bakery bread.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 cups (395 grams) all-purpose flour or bread flour
½ tablespoon kosher salt
¼ ounce instant or active dry yeast packet (or 2 ¼ teaspoons)
1 ½ cups warm water (105°F)

Directions

Make dough:

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast.
Pour warm water over the dry ingredients and mix using a dough whisk, spatula, wooden spoon, or your hands until combined. The dough should be sticky but manageable—add a bit more flour if too sticky.
Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap sprayed with nonstick spray and let it rise at room temperature for 2 to 10 hours, or overnight for best flavor.

Shape:
4. Wet your hands and turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Avoid punching or kneading the dough. Gently fold the edges into the center to form a round loaf or divide into two loaves, tucking the ends underneath.
5. Place the dough on parchment paper, lightly dust the top with flour, and score 1 to 4 lines across the surface with a bread knife. Let rest for 20 to 30 minutes.

Bake:
6. Preheat the oven to 450°F and place a baking stone, pizza stone, Dutch oven, or iron skillet inside to heat.
7. Slide the dough with the parchment paper onto the hot surface. For a crustier loaf, add 1 cup of hot water in a small broiler pan or 5 ice cubes to the bottom of the oven to create steam, then quickly close the door.
8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crusty.

Cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Store bread in a paper bag to maintain the crust’s crispness.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 slices
Prep time: 5 minutes
Resting time: 2 hours to overnight (up to 10 hours)
Cook time: 25 to 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (including resting time)

Variations

Whole wheat flour: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for a heartier bread.
Herbs and spices: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.
Seeds and nuts: Mix in sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or chopped nuts for texture and nutrition.
Cheese bread: Fold shredded cheese into the dough before shaping.
Olive bread: Add chopped olives to the dough for a Mediterranean twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store the bread in a paper bag or loosely wrapped in a kitchen towel at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep the crust crisp.
For longer storage, slice and freeze bread in an airtight bag.
To reheat, warm slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes to revive the crust.

FAQs

How long does the dough need to rise?

The dough should rest for at least 2 hours, but letting it rise up to 10 hours or overnight will develop more flavor.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, both work well. If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the flour without proofing.

Do I have to use a baking stone?

No, a Dutch oven, iron skillet, or pizza stone all work to create a good crust.

Why is the dough so sticky?

This recipe uses a high hydration dough to achieve a moist crumb and crusty exterior, so some stickiness is normal.

Can I knead the dough?

No, this is a no-knead recipe. Folding gently during shaping is enough.

How do I get a crustier loaf?

Adding steam to the oven by placing water or ice cubes at the bottom traps moisture, creating a crustier bread.

Can I make smaller loaves?

Yes, divide the dough into smaller portions and adjust baking time accordingly.

How do I know when the bread is done?

The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Can I add sugar or honey?

This recipe is designed to be simple and lean, but a small amount of sugar or honey can be added for sweetness if desired.

What flour is best for this bread?

All-purpose or bread flour both work well. Bread flour will produce a slightly chewier texture.

Conclusion

This no-knead artisan bread recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy homemade bread with minimal effort. Its simplicity, combined with the slow fermentation process, results in a loaf with incredible flavor and texture. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker looking for an easy recipe, this artisan bread will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy fresh slices toasted with butter, alongside soups, or as the base for delicious sandwiches.