Mom's Ultimate Artisan Bread
This beloved recipe from my mom yields the most delightful homemade bread you could ever ask for. With its signature light and fluffy texture and a perfectly crispy crust on the bottom, it’s an irresistible treat for any bread lover. The process is straightforward, making it easy for bakers of all levels to achieve delicious results. This versatile dough can be shaped into two beautiful loaves or a dozen rolls, perfect for sharing with family or friends. For a festive twist, consider adding ingredients like raisins, slivered almonds, or the zesty brightness of orange or lemon zest and a splash of vanilla extract. Whether you're enjoying it fresh from the oven or toasting it the next day, the possibilities are endless with this delightful bread recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
warm water
2 cups (Ensure the water is warm to the touch, but not hot.)
active dry yeast
2 tablespoons (Add to warm water during the initial mixing.)
olive oil
1/4 cup (Use for moisture and flavor.)
honey
1/4 cup (Acts as a natural sweetener.)
salt
2 teaspoons (Enhances flavor.)
egg
1 large (Use at room temperature.)
all-purpose flour
5-6 cups (Add gradually until the dough reaches the right consistency.)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, olive oil, and honey. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes or until bubbly.
2
Add in the salt and the egg, whisking everything together until well combined.
3
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. By the time you add the fifth cup, the dough should start to pull away from the sides of the bowl and form a ball.
4
Transfer the dough onto a clean, floured surface. Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes, adding extra flour as needed to prevent sticking. The dough should be smooth, firm, and slightly sticky.
5
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm area until it has doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours.
6
Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release any air. Divide it into two equal portions for loaves, or one portion for a loaf and the remainder for 12 rolls, or shape all into rolls if you prefer.
7
For loaves, place the shaped dough into greased loaf pans, and for rolls, arrange them on a greased cookie sheet, allowing enough space for them to rise.
8
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the shaped dough rises for a second time until nearly doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
9
Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. For rolls, bake for 12-15 minutes.
10
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the texture of Mom's Ultimate Artisan Bread?
The bread features a light and fluffy internal texture with a signature perfectly crispy crust on the bottom.
How many loaves does this artisan bread recipe produce?
This recipe is versatile and can be shaped into two beautiful loaves or a dozen rolls.
What kind of yeast is required for this bread?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast.
How much water is needed and at what temperature?
You need 2 cups of warm water; it should be warm to the touch but not hot.
How long should the yeast mixture rest before adding other ingredients?
Allow the mixture of warm water, yeast, olive oil, and honey to rest for 5 minutes or until it becomes bubbly.
What sweetener is used in this artisan bread?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of honey as a natural sweetener.
What type of oil should be used?
1/4 cup of olive oil is used for both moisture and flavor.
When do I add the egg and salt?
Whisk the salt and the large egg into the mixture after the yeast has rested for 5 minutes and become bubbly.
What is the recommended temperature for the egg?
It is recommended to use one large egg at room temperature.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour is used, typically requiring between 5 to 6 cups.
How should I add the flour to the dough?
Gradually add the flour one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough pulls away from the bowl.
How long do I need to knead the dough?
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 3-5 minutes.
What should the dough consistency feel like after kneading?
The dough should be smooth, firm, and slightly sticky.
How long does the first rise take?
Place the dough in a greased bowl and let it rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
What should I cover the dough with while it rises?
Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.
What does it mean to punch down the dough?
Once the dough has risen, you gently press it down to release any air bubbles before shaping.
Can I make rolls instead of loaves?
Yes, you can divide the dough into 12 portions to make rolls instead of two loaves.
What should I use to bake the rolls?
Arrange rolls on a greased cookie sheet, ensuring there is enough space for them to rise.
How long is the second rise?
The shaped dough should rise a second time for about 30-45 minutes until nearly doubled.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long do the bread loaves take to bake?
Loaves typically bake for 25-30 minutes.
How long do the rolls take to bake?
Rolls bake much faster, taking only 12-15 minutes.
How can I tell if the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
What are some suggested festive additions for this bread?
You can add raisins, slivered almonds, orange or lemon zest, and a splash of vanilla extract.
Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?
Yes, the process is straightforward and designed for bakers of all skill levels.
Should the bread be cooled before slicing?
Yes, allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing for the best texture.
Does the recipe require a specific salt?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of standard salt to enhance the flavor.
How many ingredients are in the base recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: water, yeast, olive oil, honey, salt, egg, and flour.
What makes the bottom crust crispy?
The combination of the dough consistency and baking at 375°F helps achieve the signature crispy bottom crust.
Can I toast this bread the next day?
Absolutely, this bread is excellent fresh from the oven or toasted the following day.