Looking for bakery-quality bread without the hassle of complex techniques? This Artisan Bread recipe is your answer! Made with just self-rising flour and sparkling water, it requires minimal effort and yields a beautifully textured loaf. The resting time allows for richer flavor development, making this recipe perfect for even beginner bakers. Let’s get started!
Before You Begin:
- Note: Self-rising flour already contains leavening agents, so avoid adding extra baking powder or baking soda to prevent a bitter taste.
Total Time:
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Rest: 3-12 hours
- Bake: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 4 cups (519 g) self-rising flour
- 12 fl oz (355 ml) sparkling water
Instructions
- Mix the Dough:
In a large glass bowl, combine the self-rising flour and sparkling water. Use a spatula to mix it well until you get a shaggy dough. The dough will be sticky and wet. (Tip: The glass bowl allows you to see the dough consistency through the bottom.) - Let the Dough Rest:
Tightly cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 3 hours, but ideally between 3 and 12 hours. The longer the dough rests, the richer the flavor will be. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough has risen, feels wetter than before, and has large bubbles visible at the bottom of the bowl when you peek through the glass. - Preheat the Oven and Dutch Oven:
About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a large Dutch oven (at least 4.3 quarts) with its lid on inside the oven while it preheats. This preheats the Dutch oven for even baking. - Stretch and Fold the Dough:
After resting, wet your hands slightly. Grab one side of the dough, stretch it upwards, and then fold it over the center. Repeat this folding process from all eight sides of the dough. This helps to build structure in the dough. - Shape the Dough:
Lightly dust a work surface with self-rising flour. Carefully turn the dough out onto the floured surface, seam side down (the folded sides should be on the bottom). Use a bench scraper or lightly floured hands to gently rotate and drag the dough towards yourself on the floured surface until you form a round, smooth ball. - Prepare for Baking:
Place the shaped dough, seam side down, on a piece of parchment paper. You can optionally cut a small snip on the top of the dough with scissors. This will create a larger split during baking, but the edges might brown more. Even without a snip, the bread will develop smaller natural cracks and seams as it bakes. - Bake the Bread:
Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the dough into the preheated Dutch oven (after removing the hot lid). Put the lid back on and bake for 35 minutes covered. This creates steam inside the pot, helping to develop a beautiful crust. - Golden Brown Perfection:
After 35 minutes, remove the lid and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. - Cooling and Enjoying:
Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before cutting and serving. This allows the inside to finish cooking and prevents a doughy center.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy it for breakfast with butter and jam.
- Toasted with olive oil and herbs for a delicious dip.
- Serve it alongside soups, stews, and salads for a comforting meal.
Cooking Tips
- For a Crispier Crust: Preheat your baking sheet in the oven along with the Dutch oven. After removing the lid for the final bake, place the bread directly on the preheated baking sheet for the last few minutes of baking.
- Flavor Variations: Try incorporating chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for a savory twist. You can also add shredded cheese for a cheesy bread variation.
Nutritional Benefits
- Carbohydrates: A good source of energy.
- Protein: Contains some protein from the flour.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Provides essential nutrients from the flour.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This recipe is naturally vegetarian.
- Not Gluten-Free: Contains wheat flour.
Storage
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can also slice and freeze the bread for longer storage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless: Minimal ingredients and hands-on time make it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The use of self-rising flour and sparkling water creates a unique and delicious flavor profile.
Conclusion
This Artisan Bread recipe is a baker’s dream come true. It’s easy to follow, requires minimal effort, and yields a restaurant-quality loaf bursting with flavor. So ditch the store-bought bread and impress yourself and your loved ones with this delightful homemade option. Happy baking!