Hearty Classic Artisan White Bread
Experience the joy of homemade bread with this Hearty Classic Artisan White Bread recipe. This no-fail, reliable recipe yields two beautifully tall loaves with a light, fluffy interior and a golden crust that might challenge the dimensions of your toaster. Ideal for sandwiches, toast, or as a side for your favorite meals, this bread can be customized to suit your tastes. Once you feel confident in your bread-making skills, you might choose to experiment with substitutions such as whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners like honey, or even adding seeds and grains for an extra nutritional boost. Keep in mind that rise times may vary based on your environment, especially during the colder winter months in South Dakota, so patience is key to achieving that perfect loaf.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bread Flour
6-7 cups (Measured and sifted, as needed.)
Sugar or Honey
3 tablespoons (Dissolved in water when proofing yeast.)
Salt
1 tablespoon (Added to the flour mixture.)
Butter
4 tablespoons (Melted for dough and for brushing on top.)
Active Dry Yeast
4 1/2 teaspoons (2 envelopes) (Proofed in warm water.)
Warm Water
2 1/4 cups (Heated to 120 - 130 degrees F for mixing.)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Classic Artisan White Bread?
It is a reliable, no-fail homemade bread recipe that produces two tall loaves with a light, fluffy interior and a golden crust.
How many loaves does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields two beautifully tall loaves of bread.
What kind of flour should I use for this artisan bread?
The recipe calls for 6 to 7 cups of bread flour, measured and sifted as needed.
Can I substitute the bread flour for whole wheat?
Yes, once you feel confident in your bread-making skills, you can experiment with substitutions such as whole wheat flour.
What sweeteners can be used in this recipe?
You can use 3 tablespoons of either sugar or a natural sweetener like honey.
How much yeast is required?
The recipe requires 4.5 teaspoons of active dry yeast, which is equivalent to 2 envelopes.
What is the correct water temperature for mixing?
The warm water should be heated to between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit for proper mixing.
How much water is needed for the dough?
You will need 2 and 1/4 cups of warm water.
How much butter is used in this bread?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of butter, which is melted for the dough and for brushing on top.
How much salt is added to the mixture?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of salt, which is added to the flour mixture.
Is this bread suitable for sandwiches?
Yes, this bread is ideal for sandwiches, toast, or as a side for your favorite meals.
What is the texture of the finished bread?
The bread features a light, fluffy interior and a hearty golden crust.
Can I add extra grains or seeds?
Yes, you can add seeds and grains for an extra nutritional boost once you are comfortable with the base recipe.
Why might my rise times vary?
Rise times vary based on your environment; for example, colder winter months may result in slower rising.
How do I prepare the yeast?
The active dry yeast should be proofed in warm water with the sugar or honey dissolved in it.
Is this recipe beginner-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a no-fail, reliable recipe designed to help you experience the joy of homemade bread.
How do I prepare the flour?
The bread flour should be measured and sifted as needed before being added to the mixture.
What color should the crust be?
The finished bread should have a beautiful golden crust.
Do I need special equipment for this artisan bread?
No specific special equipment is mentioned, but you will need standard baking supplies for two loaves.
How many tablespoons of sugar are used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of sugar or honey.
Can I use this bread for toast?
Yes, it is excellent for toast, though the loaves may be quite tall for some toasters.
What is the first step in preparing the yeast?
The first step is dissolving the sugar or honey in water while proofing the yeast.
When do I add the salt?
The salt is added directly to the flour mixture.
What should I do if my kitchen is very cold?
You should be patient, as bread rises more slowly in colder environments.
Can I customize the flavor of this bread?
Yes, the bread can be customized to suit your tastes through various flour and sweetener substitutions.
How many teaspoons are in the two envelopes of yeast?
There are 4.5 teaspoons total in the two envelopes of active dry yeast required.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
Specific serving sizes are not provided, but the recipe makes two full loaves.
Is this bread considered artisan?
Yes, it is a classic artisan-style white bread.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 6 primary ingredients: bread flour, sugar/honey, salt, butter, yeast, and water.
What is the main characteristic of this loaf?
The main characteristics are its hearty nature, tall height, and fluffy interior.