Quick and Easy Artisan Boule (French Free-Form Loaf)

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 1

Quick and Easy Artisan Boule (French Free-Form Loaf) recipe for your next meal

by The Chefin Bread

Prep

10 min

Cook

35 min

Ready In

2 hrs 45 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	3 cups lukewarm water ( you can use cold water , but it will take the dough longer to rise . Just do n't use hot water or you m )
	1 1/2 tablespoons granulated yeast ( use any kind of yeast-instant , rapid rise , bread machine , active dry or cake yeast ( 1.3 oz )
	1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt ( recommend Morton 's )
	6 1/2 cups unsifted unbleached all-purpose flour ( recommend Gold Medal and Pillsbury flour )
	cornmeal , for pizza peel
	1 cup hot water
	1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves ( optional )
	1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves ( optional )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

1 large loaf

Calories

1700

Sugar

Fat

The Quick and Easy Artisan Boule (French Free-Form Loaf) is an excellent choice for anyone looking to bake bread at home. It's simple to make and requires minimal effort, making it accessible to novice bakers. This bread has a crusty exterior and a soft and chewy interior, making it perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side for any meal. The thyme and rosemary add a fragrant and earthy flavor to the dough, taking this bread to the next level. It can be customized with a variety of herbs or spices, depending on your preferences and the occasion. This bread is sure to impress your guests and is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Instructions

1.	In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water, yeast, and kosher salt.
2.	Add the unsifted unbleached all-purpose flour to the mixing bowl, using a wooden spoon to mix until well combined.
3.	Cover the mixing bowl with a towel and let it rise at room temperature for 2 hours.
4.	After 2 hours, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and put a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet on the middle rack.
5.	Uncover the mixing bowl and scoop out 1/4 of the dough. Dust a clean surface with flour, then shape the dough into a ball and place it onto a sheet of parchment paper.
6.	Allow the dough to rest for 40 minutes and then sprinkle the top with dried thyme and rosemary leaves (optional).
7.	Score the loaf with a sharp knife and dust with flour.
8.	Sprinkle cornmeal onto the pizza peel and transfer the dough onto the baking stone.
9.	Pour 1 cup of hot water into a baking dish and place it onto the oven floor.
10.	Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is browned and crisp.

PROS

This artisan bread is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.

It’s crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect to be enjoyed with a variety of spreads and dips, such as butter, olive oil, or hummus.

CONS

This bread requires a long rising time of 2 hours.

It’s high in carbohydrates, which may not suit everyone’s dietary needs.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy throughout the day.
It’s also low in fat and cholesterol-free, making it a heart-healthy food option.