Beginner 4-Ingredient Artisan Bread
Directions
- 1In a large un-greased mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt. Pour in the water and gently mix until all the flour is moistened.
- 2Shape the sticky dough into a ball in the bowl, cover tightly, and let it rise at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or for the best flavor and texture, let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours and up to 3 days.
- 3Lightly dust a large nonstick baking sheet with flour, turn the cold dough out onto a floured surface, and cut it in half using a sharp knife or bench scraper.
- 4Place the dough halves on the prepared baking sheet, shape them into two long loaves, loosely cover them, and let them rest for 45 minutes.
- 5Preheat the oven to 475°F (246°C).
- 6Score the bread loaves with 3 slashes using a very sharp knife. If the loaves flattened out during the resting time, reshape them.
- 7For a crispier crust, place a shallow metal or cast iron baking pan with 3-4 cups of boiling water on the bottom oven rack before placing the bread on a higher rack.
- 8Bake the bread for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. A more accurate test of doneness is when the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C).
- 9Cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
Ingredients
- 3.25 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 1.5 cups water
Equipment
large un-greased mixing bowlwhiskspatulabaking sheetsharp knife or bench scraperfloured work surfaceoveninstant read thermometer