Artisan Bread Recipe

Baking Instructions

1. 1

   Mix the Dough

   In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Stir until well mixed. Add the warm water and olive oil to the flour mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.

2. 2

   Knead the Dough

   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You may need to add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky.

3. 3

   First Rise

   Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

4. 4

   Shape the Dough

   Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove excess air. Shape it into a round loaf or place it in a loaf pan.

5. 5

   Second Rise

   Cover the shaped dough with a cloth and let it rise for another 30-60 minutes until it has puffed up.

6. 6

   Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a baking stone, place it in the oven while preheating.

7. 7

   Bake the Bread

   Once the oven is hot, place the dough in the oven (on the baking stone or a baking sheet) and bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

8. 8

   Cool and Serve

   Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your artisan bread!