🍞✨ Homemade Artisan Bread 😍 Soft on the Inside, Crispy on the Outside – The Perfect Homemade Bread

Once you try this easy homemade bread recipe, you may never want to buy store-bought bread again. With a beautifully golden crust, a soft and airy interior, and a rich homemade flavor, this artisan-style loaf is perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, soups, or simply enjoying warm with butter. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a beginner-friendly recipe that delivers bakery-quality results every time.

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📋 Recipe Information

* 🏷️ Recipe Name: Homemade Artisan Bread

* 🍽️ Category: Bread

* 🌍 Cuisine: International

* ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes

* ⏳ Rising Time: 1½–2 hours

* 🔥 Bake Time: 35–40 minutes

* ⌛ Total Time: Approximately 3 hours

* 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Servings: 10–12 slices

* ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy

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🛒 Ingredients

🍞 Main Ingredients

* 🫒 4 tablespoons (60 ml) olive oil

* 🌾 1 tablespoon (10 g) active dry yeast

* 🧂 1 teaspoon salt

* 🥛 1⅓ cups (320 ml) warm water

* 🌾 4¾ cups (570 g) all-purpose flour

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

🥣 Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast.

2️⃣ Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

3️⃣ Add the olive oil and salt, then stir gently.

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🍞 Step 2: Make the Dough

4️⃣ Gradually add the flour while mixing continuously.

5️⃣ Once a dough forms, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.

6️⃣ Knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

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⏳ Step 3: First Rise

7️⃣ Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.

8️⃣ Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

9️⃣ Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

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🥖 Step 4: Shape the Bread

🔟 Punch down the dough gently to release excess air.

1️⃣1️⃣ Shape it into a round loaf.

1️⃣2️⃣ Place it in a lightly greased Dutch oven, cast-iron pot, or baking dish.

1️⃣3️⃣ Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes.

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🔥 Step 5: Bake

1️⃣4️⃣ Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).

1️⃣5️⃣ Using a sharp knife, make a few shallow slashes across the top of the loaf.

1️⃣6️⃣ Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

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🍽️ Step 6: Cool and Serve

1️⃣7️⃣ Remove the bread from the oven and place it on a wire rack.

1️⃣8️⃣ Allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

1️⃣9️⃣ Serve warm with butter, jam, cheese, or your favorite toppings.

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💡 Tips for Perfect Bread

✔️ Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.

✔️ For an extra crispy crust, place a small oven-safe dish of hot water in the oven while baking.

✔️ Dust the top with a little flour before baking for a rustic bakery-style appearance.

✔️ Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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🥗 Approximate Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

* 🔥 Calories: 180 kcal

* 💪 Protein: 5 g

* 🧈 Fat: 3 g

* 🍞 Carbohydrates: 33 g

* 🌾 Fiber: 1 g