Description
This Four Ingredient Artisan Bread recipe delivers a bakery-worthy loaf with a crisp crust and tender, chewy crumb, all without any kneading or special equipment. Just flour, water, salt, and yeast come together in a simple, overnight process—perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (355ml) warm water (about 100°F/38°C)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Pour in the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. No kneading is required—just ensure all the flour is moistened.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours, until it has doubled in size and the surface is dotted with bubbles.
- Shape the Loaf: Flour your work surface and gently scrape out the dough. With floured hands, fold the dough over on itself a couple of times to form a round loaf. Lightly dust a piece of parchment paper with flour and place the dough on it. Cover loosely with a towel and let it rest for 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven and Bake: About 30 minutes before baking, place a Dutch oven (or heavy lidded pot) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C). Once preheated, carefully remove the pot (caution: very hot!), lift the parchment with the dough, and transfer both into the Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the bread is deep golden brown and crusty.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the loaf from the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the crumb set and gives the best texture.
Notes
- You can substitute bread flour for all-purpose for a chewier texture.
- Make sure your water is warm but not hot to help activate the yeast.
- Letting the bread cool completely ensures the inside is fully set and not gummy.
- Add-ins like herbs, garlic, or cheese can be mixed in after the first rise for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 loaf)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg