Artisan Basic French Bread and Variations (Overnight)

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 1

Artisan Basic French Bread and Variations (Overnight) for your next meal

by The Chefin Bread

Prep

10 min

Cook

50 min

Ready In

12 hours

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	1 teaspoon instant yeast ( dry yeast must be dissolved in water below ) or 1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast ( dry yeast must be dissolved in water below )
	2 1/4 cups warm water ( ~100 degrees , not so warm that it kills yeast )
	6 - 6 1/2 cups unbleached white flour ( I sub about 2 cups whole wheat flour to make it healthier , but I find that more than 30-40 % whole wh )
	1 tablespoon salt ( I use Real salt or sea salt )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

225

Sugar

Fat

Artisan Basic French Bread is a classic white bread recipe with a crusty exterior and soft chewy crumb that pairs well with any meal. This bread recipe is perfect for individuals who are new to baking bread or do not have a bread machine. The bread can be easily customized by adding in different ingredients like herbs, cheese, nuts, and seeds. This recipe is an overnight bread which means that the dough needs to be refrigerated for at least 8 hours to develop a great flavor and texture. The bread has a simple ingredient list that is accessible to all and can save you money in the long run.

Instructions

1.	In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
2.	Add flour and salt. Mix thoroughly until dough forms.
3.	Cover bowl with a damp towel and let sit overnight or for at least 8 hours.
4.	Preheat oven to 450F. Place a heavy pot with a lid inside and heat for at least 30 minutes.
5.	Shape dough into a ball and place inside the heated pot.
6.	Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
7.	Remove lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes until bread is golden brown.
8.	Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

PROS

This bread has a crispy crust and soft and chewy inside.
It is easy to make with minimal ingredients and is perfect for beginners.

The bread is versatile and can be customized with different additions like herbs, cheese, nuts, and seeds.

CONS

This bread requires an overnight rise which could be inconvenient if you don’t have the time.

The crust may be too hard for some individuals and the bread may not rise as much as store-bought bread.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This bread is made with unbleached flour and has no preservatives compared to store-bought bread.
The whole wheat substitution also adds fiber which is beneficial for digestion and could reduce the risk of certain chronic illnesses.