Earl's Artisan White Bread
Indulge in the unmatched flavor and sturdy texture of Earl's Artisan White Bread. This homemade delight is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed fresh from the oven. Crafted with quality bread flour and kissed by the natural sweetness of honey, this recipe ensures a golden crust and fluffy interior, making it a staple in your kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this bread is accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. Surprise your family and friends with the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home!
N/A
Servings
220
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
bread flour
5.5 cups (Fluffed and spooned into measuring cup)
salt
1 tablespoon (None)
fast rising yeast
2.5 teaspoons (or 1 packet of bread machine yeast)
very warm water
16 ounces (None)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (None)
honey
2 tablespoons (None)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and yeast. Make sure to fluff the flour before measuring for accurate results.
2
In a separate container, combine 16 ounces of very warm water with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Use the same measuring spoon to add 2 tablespoons of honey; this will prevent the honey from sticking.
3
Mix the wet ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
4
Using a mixer fitted with a dough hook, turn on the mixer to low speed for about 15 seconds to combine the dry ingredients. Then, gradually add the liquid mixture all at once while the mixer is on low speed for approximately 1.5 minutes until the dough starts to come together. Turn the mixer off and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
5
After resting, turn the mixer to medium speed and knead the dough for 3 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6
Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough by hand 3 to 4 times to remove air bubbles.
7
Place the kneaded dough into an oiled bowl or the mixer bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place (like an oven) for 1 hour.
8
Once the hour is up, punch down the dough gently, transfer it back to the floured surface, and knead it again for another 3 to 4 times.
9
Divide the dough and shape it into two loaves. Place each loaf in a greased loaf pan, cover with a cloth, and allow them to rise for another 45 minutes.
10
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Optionally, place a small oven-safe pan of water on the rack below the bread to create steam for a softer crust.
11
Bake the loaves for 30 to 35 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
12
Once baked, remove the loaves from the pans and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
13
For an extra touch, brush the tops of the warm loaves with olive oil to soften the crust and enhance appearance.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
44g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this bread recipe?
The recipe is for Earl's Artisan White Bread.
What are the characteristics of Earl's Artisan White Bread?
It features an unmatched flavor, sturdy texture, a golden crust, and a fluffy interior.
How much bread flour is required?
The recipe calls for 5.5 cups of bread flour.
Should I prepare the flour in a specific way before measuring?
Yes, the flour should be fluffed and spooned into the measuring cup for accurate results.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
One tablespoon of salt is used.
What type of yeast is recommended?
You should use 2.5 teaspoons of fast rising yeast or 1 packet of bread machine yeast.
What temperature should the water be?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of very warm water.
How much honey is used in this artisan bread?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of honey.
What is the best way to measure the honey?
Use the same measuring spoon used for the olive oil first; this prevents the honey from sticking to the spoon.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How long should the dough rest after the initial mixing?
The dough should rest for 10 minutes after the first 1.5 minutes of mixing.
How long do you knead the dough with a mixer?
After resting, knead the dough on medium speed for 3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Why should I knead the dough by hand after the mixer?
Hand kneading 3 to 4 times helps remove air bubbles from the dough.
Where is the best place to let the dough rise?
Place it in an oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place, such as an oven.
How long is the first rise?
The first rise should last for 1 hour.
What do you do after the first hour of rising?
Punch down the dough gently and knead it again by hand for 3 to 4 times.
How many loaves does this recipe produce?
This recipe is designed to be divided into two loaves.
How long is the second rise once the loaves are shaped?
The second rise in the loaf pans should last for 45 minutes.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How can I achieve a softer crust?
Place a small oven-safe pan of water on the rack below the bread to create steam, and optionally brush the warm loaves with olive oil after baking.
How long does the bread need to bake?
Bake the loaves for 30 to 35 minutes.
How can I tell if the bread is finished baking?
The loaves should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
How long should the bread cool before slicing?
Let the loaves cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
What are the calories per serving for this bread?
Each serving contains approximately 220 calories.
How much protein is in a serving of Earl's Artisan White Bread?
There are 8 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 3 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 44 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?
Yes, the recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps accessible for novice bakers.
What is the purpose of the 10-minute rest during mixing?
The rest period allows the flour to hydrate before the final kneading process.
Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using a mixer with a dough hook and baking in an oven, though it mentions bread machine yeast can be used.