How to Make Bakery-Style Artisan Bread at Home
Making homemade artisan bread doesn’t have to be a time-consuming or complicated process. This simple, no-knead bread recipe delivers a delicious, crusty loaf with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to bread-making, this recipe is a great go-to option for fresh, bakery-style bread right from your kitchen. The dough comes together in minutes and requires just a single rise, making it perfect for busy schedules.
What makes this bread truly special is its versatility. You can shape it into a round boule, long baguettes, or small rolls, and it’s the perfect base for mix-ins like cheese, herbs, dried fruit, or nuts. If you have sourdough discard on hand, you can incorporate it for added flavor without the need for long fermentation. The result is a soft and airy interior with a perfectly crisp, golden-brown crust.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- No kneading required – Let the yeast and time do the work for you.
- One simple rise – Ready to bake in just 90 minutes.
- Customizable – Add your favorite mix-ins for unique flavors.
- Beginner-friendly – No sourdough starter or special equipment needed.
- Crispy crust & soft interior – Just like bakery artisan bread!
Ingredients Breakdown:
- Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly and creates a light texture.
- Warm Water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour.
- Honey: Provides a slight sweetness and helps with yeast activation.
- Bread Flour or All-Purpose Flour: Bread flour gives the best structure, but all-purpose works well too.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and strengthens the gluten network.
- Olive Oil: Adds moisture and improves the texture of the crust.
- Sourdough Discard (Optional): Adds a tangy depth of flavor without extra rise time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast: In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm water, honey, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough: Add the flour, salt, and sourdough discard (if using). Mix on low until a shaggy dough forms.
- Let it Rise: Drizzle olive oil over the dough, rotating it to coat. Cover and let it rest for 1 to 2 hours until doubled in size.
- Preheat & Shape: Heat the oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven inside. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Add mix-ins if desired.
- Score & Bake: Transfer to the preheated Dutch oven, score the top with a knife or bread lame, and cover with the lid. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for 10-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Tips & Variations:
- For Extra Crunch: Place a small pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
- Flavor Variations: Add rosemary and sea salt, cheddar and jalapeño, or cinnamon and raisins.
- No Stand Mixer? Use a large bowl and a dough whisk or wooden spoon to mix by hand.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
This artisan bread is perfect for sandwiches, dipping in soup, or simply enjoying with butter. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought bread again!
This Recipe is in my Cookbook, From Scratch!
I’m excited to share my cookbook with you, created with sustainability and flavor in mind! From Scratch is packed with delicious, eco-conscious recipes designed to nourish both you and the planet. Every dish is carefully crafted to use fresh, local ingredients, and focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing taste.
From wholesome breakfasts to hearty dinners, my cookbook offers a variety of plant-based meals that are easy to prepare and full of nutrients. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply enjoy meals that are better for you and the Earth, this cookbook is your guide to eating in a way that’s both kind to the planet and satisfying to your taste buds. You can grab your copy here:
Check Out The Pantry Labels
In 2024, I released a set of Pantry Labels with recipes that are dishwasher-safe and fit the lids of mason jars perfectly.
Each labels has the recipe to refill the dry mix jar, as well as the recipe to make the item if applicable.
Artisan Bread
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 3 ½ cups bread flour or all purpose flour
- ½ tablespoon salt
- ⅛ cup olive oil
- ½ to 1 cup sourdough discard optional
Instructions
- Add yeast, warm water and honey to a stand mixer bowl. Wait five minutes for the yeast to become foamy.
- Add flour and salt to the bowl. Add sourdough discard (optional).
- Mix on low until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil and rotate the dough ball in the bowl until it is coated in oil.
- Cover the bowl with an airtight lid. Let it rest for one to two hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F with a dutch oven or bread oven and lid inside.
- Lightly dust a counter or cutting board with flour. Turn the doubled dough out onto the floured surface.
- For a large, round loaf, stretch the dough to a large rectangle. If you’d like to add any inclusions, such as diced jalapenos and cheddar cheese, or cinnamon brown sugar, add before folding.
- Fold the dough into thirds and then roll to create a loaf.
- Carefully add your bread to the preheated dutch oven or bread oven.
- Using a bread lame or a sharp knife, score the dough.
- Add the lid, and bake covered for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and continue baking until golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes.
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack for 2 hours before slicing.
