Breads & Rolls

Amazing 5-Step Artisan Bread Making at Home: My Simple Secret

Artisan bread making at home can feel a little daunting, but I promise you, it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do in your kitchen. There’s a certain magic to it, a warmth that reminds me so much of my mum’s kitchen. Here at Let Them Cook, we believe that magic is for everyone, especially when it results in a perfectly crusty loaf.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about artisan bread making at home. We’ll explore my mum’s secret for getting that incredible crust, why a Dutch oven is your best friend, and I’ll share my favourite no-knead bread recipe for beginners. You’ll see just how simple it is to create a loaf that will fill your home and your heart with warmth.

Key Takeaways

  • A Dutch oven is the secret to a perfect, steam-baked crust at home.
  • Patience is key; allow your dough plenty of time for a slow, flavourful rise.
  • Don’t overcomplicate it! Simple ingredients create the most delicious artisan bread.

Baker’s Quotes

Every loaf I bake is a tribute to my mother’s hands, which first taught me how to shape dough and love.

The smell of baking bread doesn’t just fill a kitchen; it fills a home with memories.

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artisan bread making at home

If you’d like a similar recipe…

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Lukewarm water is key! Too hot and it will kill the yeast; too cold and it will slow down the rise.

Don’t be afraid if the dough seems very wet and sticky – that’s exactly how it should be for a no-knead recipe.

Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your loaf during the final 15 minutes of baking to achieve your perfect crust colour.

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No-Knead Artisan Bread

A simple yet satisfying recipe for making crusty artisan bread at home without the need for kneading.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Baking, Bread
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour Use unbleached for best results.
  • 1 teaspoon salt This enhances flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast Fast-acting yeast for quicker rise.
Wet Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups water Warm water to help activate the yeast.

Method
 

Mixing Dough
  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and instant yeast.
  2. Add warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
First Rise
  1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours, until bubbly and doubled in size.
Shaping and Second Rise
  1. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. With floured hands, shape it into a ball.
  2. Let it rest for another 1-2 hours, covered with a towel.
Baking
  1. Preheat your Dutch oven in the oven at 450°F (232°C) for 30 minutes.
  2. Carefully place the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover it, and bake for 30 minutes.
  3. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Cooling
  1. Remove the bread from the pot and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Patience is key; allow your dough plenty of time for a slow, flavorful rise. A Dutch oven is recommended for achieving a perfect crust.

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