Artisan bread is made using traditional methods and natural ingredients, resulting in a unique and flavorful product. In this article, we will introduce you to the different types of artisan bread and their characteristic features. From sourdough to rye and beyond, the world of artisan bread has much to offer. Whether you are a bread aficionado or simply looking to add some variety to your diet, there is an artisan bread that will suit your tastes.
What Is Artisan Bread?
Artisan bread is a type of bread that is made using traditional methods and ingredients, rather than being mass-produced in a factory. It is typically made by hand, using high-quality ingredients and time-honored baking techniques. As a result, artisan bread has a distinctive flavor and texture that sets it apart from other types of bread. It is often made in small batches and can be found at specialty bakeries and gourmet food stores.
What Are Examples Of Artisan Bread?
Some examples of artisan bread include sourdough bread, rye bread, and whole wheat bread. These types of bread are often made using a long, slow fermentation process that helps to develop their flavor and texture. Other examples of artisan bread include ciabatta, focaccia, and baguettes. These breads are typically made with a combination of flour, water, salt, and yeast, and are known for their chewy texture and crispy crust.
- Sourdough bread
- Ciabatta bread
- Focaccia bread
- Bagels
- Baguettes
- Brioche
- Croissants
- Pita bread
- Naan bread
- Roti bread
- Pretzels
- Bagel
- Challah bread
- Pumpernickel bread
- Rye bread
- Whole wheat bread
- Cornbread
- Flatbread
What Makes These Breads Artisan?
Artisan bread is called that because it is made by skilled craftsmen, or artisans, using traditional methods and ingredients. The term “artisan” refers to someone who is highly skilled in a particular craft or trade, and who takes pride in creating high-quality, handmade products. In the case of bread, an artisan baker is someone who has honed their skills in the art of bread making, and who uses traditional methods and high-quality ingredients to create unique, flavorful, and beautifully crafted loaves of bread.
Here are some examples of artisan breads:
- Sourdough bread
- Rye bread
- Whole wheat bread
- Ciabatta
- Focaccia
- Baguettes
- Pumpernickel
- Brioche
- Pain au levain
- Pain de campagne
Can You Make Artisan Breads At Home?
Artisan breads can be more challenging to make at home than traditional white breads, as they often require a longer fermentation process and a greater attention to detail. However, with the right recipe and some practice, it is possible to make delicious artisan breads at home.
Pain au levain (Sourdough Bread)
Sourdough bread is a type of bread that is made using a sourdough starter. This starter is a mixture of flour and water that is left to ferment, creating a natural leavening agent. Sourdough bread has a long history, with some sources tracing its origins back to ancient Egypt. It is known for its tangy, slightly sour flavor and chewy texture. Sourdough bread is often used as a base for sandwiches, as well as for toast and other dishes. It is also popular for its health benefits, as the fermentation process can help to break down gluten, making it easier to digest for some people. Sourdough bread has gained popularity in recent years, with many bakeries and restaurants offering their own unique versions of this delicious bread.
Basic Sourdough Recipe
To make a basic sourdough bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of sourdough starter
- 3 cups of bread flour
- 1.5 teaspoons of salt
- 1.5 cups of water
To make the sourdough bread, follow these steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter, bread flour, salt, and water. Mix until everything is well combined and a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a clean, oiled bowl, and cover with a damp towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 8-12 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf in a greased loaf pan, and let it rise again for about 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). When the oven is hot, place the loaf in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Rye Bread
Rye bread is a type of bread made with rye flour. It originated in Eastern Europe and is a staple in many cuisines in that region. Rye bread is known for its dark color and distinctive flavor, which is often described as tangy or slightly sour. It is often used as a base for sandwiches, as well as for toast and other dishes. Rye bread is also popular for its health benefits, as it is high in fiber and can help with digestion. Despite its long history and popularity in certain regions, rye bread has not gained widespread popularity in other parts of the world.
Basic Rye Bread Recipe
To make a basic rye bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of rye flour
- 2 cups of bread flour
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1.5 cups of warm water
To make the rye bread, follow these steps:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rye flour, bread flour, salt, honey or sugar, and active dry yeast.
- Slowly add the warm water to the flour mixture, and mix until everything is well combined and a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a clean, oiled bowl, and cover with a damp towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf on a baking sheet, and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). When the oven is hot, place the loaf in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving
Ciabatta
Ciabatta is a type of Italian bread that is known for its elongated shape and light, airy texture. It originated in the Lombardy region of Italy in the 1980s and quickly became popular throughout the country and beyond. The name “ciabatta” literally means “slipper” in Italian, which is a reference to the bread’s elongated shape. Ciabatta bread is typically made with a combination of all-purpose flour, yeast, salt, and water, and is often flavored with olive oil or herbs.
One of the unique characteristics of ciabatta bread is its airy, sponge-like texture. This is achieved by using a high hydration dough, which means that the dough contains a large amount of liquid relative to the amount of flour. This makes the dough very wet and sticky, which allows it to rise and develop large, irregular holes on the inside.
Ciabatta bread is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. It is commonly used as a sandwich bread, and is also delicious when served with soups or dips. It can also be toasted and used as a base for bruschetta or other toppings. Its popularity has spread beyond Italy, and it can now be found in many bakeries and grocery stores around the world.
Basic Ciabatta Recipe
To make a basic ciabatta bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups (450g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (375ml) warm water
- 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
First, combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. Then, add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir until the dough comes together.
Next, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little more flour as you knead to prevent the dough from sticking.
Once the dough is ready, transfer it to a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
When the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into two or three equal pieces, depending on the size of the ciabatta loaf you want to make. Gently shape each piece of dough into a rough oval shape and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and let the dough rise for another 20-30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size again. When the dough is ready, lightly brush the tops with some olive oil and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the ciabatta is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Let the ciabatta cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Focaccia
Focaccia is a type of Italian bread that is made with olive oil, salt, and flour. It originated in the region of Liguria, on the Italian Riviera, and is a staple in Italian cuisine. Focaccia is known for its distinctive flavor and texture, which is slightly crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. It is often topped with herbs and other ingredients, such as olives or sun-dried tomatoes, before being baked. Focaccia is often served as an appetizer or as part of an antipasto platter. It is also commonly used as a base for sandwiches or as a side dish to accompany soups or pasta dishes. Focaccia has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many bakeries and restaurants offering their own unique versions of this delicious bread.
To make a basic focaccia bread, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
Basic Focaccia Recipe
To make the focaccia bread, first combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the warm water and olive oil and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a greased baking sheet. Press the dough into the desired shape and thickness, and make indentations with your fingers all over the surface of the dough. Brush the dough with additional olive oil and sprinkle it with coarse salt and any desired herbs or toppings.
Bake the focaccia bread in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside. Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Baguettes
Baguettes are long, thin loaves of bread that are a staple in French cuisine. They are known for their crisp, golden crust and fluffy, airy interior. Baguettes have a long history, with some sources tracing their origins back to the early 19th century. They are often used as a base for sandwiches, as well as for toast and other dishes. Baguettes are also popular for their versatility, as they can be served with a wide variety of toppings and fillings. Despite their long history and popularity in France, baguettes have gained widespread popularity in other parts of the world as well.
To make a basic baguette, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
To make the baguette, first combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the warm water and olive oil and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured work surface. Divide the dough into two equal pieces and shape each piece into a long, thin loaf. Place the loaves on a greased baking sheet and make several diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf. Cover the loaves with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Bake the baguettes in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Pumpernickel
Pumpernickel bread is a type of bread that originated in Germany. It is made with a combination of rye flour and whole rye berries, giving it a dense and slightly sour flavor. Pumpernickel bread has been popular in Germany for centuries, and it is often enjoyed as a hearty and satisfying sandwich bread. In recent years, it has become popular in other parts of the world as well, especially among health-conscious individuals who appreciate its high fiber content.
Here is a simple recipe for pumpernickel bread:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rye flour
- 1 cup whole rye berries
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rye flour, rye berries, water, yeast, and salt. Mix well to form a thick dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once the dough has risen, bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, or until the loaf is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Brioche
Brioche is a type of rich, buttery bread that originated in France. It is made with a high proportion of eggs and butter, which give it a soft, tender texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Brioche has been enjoyed in France for centuries, and it is often served as a breakfast or dessert bread. In recent years, it has become popular in other parts of the world as well, and it is often used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes, such as brioche french toast, sandwiches, and hamburgers.
Here is a simple recipe for homemade brioche bread:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, eggs, butter, yeast, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth and slightly sticky dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove any air bubbles, and shape it into a loaf or rolls. Place the dough in a greased loaf pan or on a baking sheet, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once the dough has risen a second time, bake it in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the loaf or rolls are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Pain de campagne
Pain de campagne, also known as “country bread,” is a type of French bread that is made with a combination of white and whole wheat flour. It has a slightly dense texture and a slightly sour flavor, due to the use of a natural starter or sourdough to leaven the dough. Pain de campagne has a long history in France, where it has been enjoyed for centuries as a hearty and satisfying bread. It is often served as a sandwich bread, or sliced and toasted for breakfast. In recent years, pain de campagne has become popular in other parts of the world as well, and it is often sought after for its distinctive flavor and texture. To make pain de campagne at home, you will need white and whole wheat flour, water, salt, and a natural starter or sourdough. Simply mix the ingredients together, shape the dough into a loaf, and let it rise until doubled in size. Then bake in a preheated oven until the bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Enjoy your homemade pain de campagne warm, with your choice of toppings, or let it cool and slice it for sandwiches or toast.
Here is a simple recipe for homemade pain de campagne:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup natural starter or sourdough
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white flour, whole wheat flour, water, salt, and natural starter or sourdough. Mix well to form a thick and slightly sticky dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the loaf is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade pain de campagne warm, with your choice of toppings, or let it cool and slice it for sandwiches or toast.