Ultimate Artisan Crusty Bread (Bread Machine)
This Ultimate Artisan Crusty Bread recipe is the perfect way to elevate your bread-making game. Found on a popular cooking forum, I decided to give it a try, and it completely transformed our dinner. With a beautifully golden, crackling crust and a tender, fluffy interior, this bread boasts a delightful texture and a rich, comforting flavor. Ideal for serving alongside soups, stews, or simply for slathering with butter or your favorite jam, this homemade bread captures the essence of traditional baking with the convenience of a bread machine. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy yet extraordinary loaf!
12
Servings
100
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
warm water
1 cup (heated to about 110°F (43°C))
active dry yeast
1 package (ensure it is fresh and not expired)
shortening
2 tablespoons (softened)
sugar
2 tablespoons (granulated)
salt
1 teaspoon (sea salt or kosher salt recommended)
all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups (sifted, if desired for a finer texture)
Instructions
1
Start by measuring out the warm water, ensuring it is at around 110°F to activate the yeast.
2
In the bread machine basket, add the warm water first followed by the active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it froths and bubbles, indicating the yeast is activated.
3
Next, add the softened shortening, granulated sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture in the bread machine.
4
Slowly add the sifted all-purpose flour into the machine, covering the wet ingredients completely. Do not stir or mix by hand.
5
Select the 'Basic' or 'Regular' bread cycle on your bread machine, adjusting the loaf size to 1 ½ lbs if necessary.
6
Start the machine and let it knead, rise, and bake according to your machine’s instruction.
7
Once baking is completed, carefully remove the bread from the machine. Allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition Information
1.7g
Fat
19g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
0.7g
Fiber
0.8g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Artisan Crusty Bread?
It is a bread machine recipe that creates a golden, crackling crust with a tender, fluffy interior, designed to be easy yet impressive.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
What temperature should the water be for this recipe?
The water should be heated to approximately 110°F (43°C) to properly activate the yeast.
How much flour is required?
You will need 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, which can be sifted for a finer texture.
What kind of yeast should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 package of active dry yeast; ensure it is fresh and not expired.
How long should the yeast sit in the water?
Allow the yeast to sit in the warm water for 5-10 minutes until it froths and bubbles.
What type of fat is used in this bread?
This recipe uses 2 tablespoons of softened shortening.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
What kind of salt is recommended?
Sea salt or kosher salt is recommended, and the recipe requires 1 teaspoon.
Which bread machine setting should I select?
You should select the 'Basic' or 'Regular' bread cycle on your machine.
What loaf size should I set on my bread machine?
Adjust the loaf size setting to 1 1/2 lbs.
In what order should I add the ingredients?
Start with warm water and yeast, let it activate, then add shortening, sugar, and salt, and finally add the flour on top.
Should I mix the ingredients by hand before starting the machine?
No, do not stir or mix by hand; allow the machine to handle the kneading and mixing.
How should I cool the bread after baking?
Remove the bread from the machine and allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There is 1.7g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a slice of this bread?
Each serving contains 19g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in a serving?
There is 2.5g of protein per serving.
Is there fiber in this bread?
Yes, there is 0.7g of fiber per serving.
What is the sugar content per serving?
There is 0.8g of sugar per serving.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Yeast Breads.
Can I serve this bread with soup?
Yes, it is ideal for serving alongside soups, stews, or with butter and jam.
Does this recipe require sourdough starter?
No, although it is tagged as sourdough style, it uses active dry yeast for convenience.
What should I do to ensure the yeast is activated?
Wait for the mixture of warm water and yeast to become frothy and bubbly before adding other ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 ingredients: warm water, active dry yeast, shortening, sugar, salt, and all-purpose flour.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
Cholesterol information is not provided, but the listed ingredients typically do not contain cholesterol.
What does 'sifting the flour' do?
Sifting the all-purpose flour helps create a finer texture in the finished loaf.
Is the sodium content listed?
The specific sodium amount per serving is not provided in the data.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include bread machine, yeast bread, crusty bread, artisan bread, and comfort food.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy baking recipe that provides extraordinary results with bread machine convenience.