Crusty Artisan Bread

Homemade bread sometimes seems intimidating to new bakers. Proofing yeast and rising and kneading and the list goes on. A lot of breads are a little putsy like that, but the recipe I’m sharing today is super simple. Even if you’re new to bread baking, anyone who tries your bread will think you’re a pro! Plus, the best bread is always the fresh, warm loaf straight from the oven. This Crusty Artisan Bread is a staple in my recipe binder. It’s perfect for when I need bread to go with dinner, but won’t have time to futz with kneading and multiple rising times.
I adapted this recipe from It’s Always Autumn with just a few slight changes. For instance, I use bread flour instead of all-purpose and added a little extra because the dough was so wet. There are only four ingredients and no kneading is required. Below, you’ll find a list of ingredients and the steps to make this Crusty Artisan Bread.

Shopping List
- Bread flour
- Yeast
- Celtic sea salt
- Water
How to Make Crusty Artisan Bread
In a large bowl, whisk three cups of flour with the salt and yeast. Gradually add the warm water and mix until it comes together in a cohesive ball. If it’s too wet, try adding additional flour. It should still be rather sticky though. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 8-24 hours.
When you’re ready to bake the bread, turn out the dough onto a well-floured surface and cover with a clean dish towel. Let the loaf rise for about 30 minutes in a warm place if possible.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a baking dish with high sides in the oven to preheat as well.
Remove the dish and grease with olive oil before placing the dough inside. Use a bread lame or a sharp knife to cut an “X” in the top of the loaf. It should be about a half inch to an inch deep. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the cover and continue baking for 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
You’re Crusty Artisan Bread will be crisp and chewy on the outside, but soft and delightful on the inside. Enjoy a slice or two alongside your favorite winter soup or by itself with Amish butter and raw honey.

More Bread Recipes to Try
- Rustic Whole Wheat Sourdough Bread
- Egg-Free Brioche Buns
- Savoury Herb Swirl Bread
- Sourdough English Muffins
- Pita Bread
- Whole Wheat French Bread
Crusty Artisan Bread
Ingredients
- 3 cups bolted bread flour
- 1 tsp Celtic sea salt
- ½ tsp yeast
- 1¼ cup warm water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk three cups of flour with the salt and yeast.
- Gradually add the warm water and mix until it comes together in a cohesive ball. If it's too wet, try adding additional flour. It should still be rather sticky though.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 8-24 hours.
- When you're ready to bake the bread, turn out the dough onto a well-floured surface and cover with a clean dish towel. Let the loaf rise for about 30 minutes in a warm place if possible.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a baking dish with high sides in the oven to preheat as well.
- Remove the dish and grease with olive oil before placing the dough inside.
- Use a bread lame or sharp knife to cut an "X" in the top of the bread, about a half inch to an inch deep.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- Then remove the cover and continue baking for 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
I love homemade bread 🥖 😋 And the smell of the house is amazing when cooking it 😉
Definitely! It’s one of the best parts! 😊
Great post 🙂
Thank you so much!!
Good to know about this other blog! The bread looks wonderful. I’m old and I guess traditional, so I can’t wrap my head around the no-knead concept! But it obviously works!
Yeah, it’s an interesting concept! Thanks for reading and I’d definitely encourage you to check out Autumn’s blog! She has a lot of other great recipes!