I admit to not being the best cook but there are some things in the kitchen I do well. One is baking. Now that it’s just my husband and me at home, I don’t bake too often anymore, but with the holidays here and my kids home visiting, that will be changing temporarily!

Making artisan bread always seemed like an impossible task. A couple of winters ago, I did a little research and learned it’s one of the most simple and rewarding treats you can bake in your oven! The recipe is uncomplicated and uses only a few basic ingredients. I have tried several methods and the directions below I can call my own. If I can tackle it, you can too! 

 I know most people have their special holiday treat recipes already in the works, but bread is something you may not have thought about making during the month of December. This is the perfect recipe if you’re hanging around your house in your PJs on December 24 and want to partake in something special for Christmas morning. It’s also the perfect companion to a hot, hearty bowl of soup. It will make your house smell divine! The crisp crust combined with the soft inside will make you wonder why you didn’t try to bake bread sooner. On a cold, frosty day there is nothing better than eating warm homemade bread. It’s the little things in life, ya know. Enjoy! 

  • 3 cups + 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons Kosher salt 
  • 1/2 teaspoon Instant or Rapid-rise yeast 
  • 1 1/2 cups water cool
  • parchment paper
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and yeast.       
  2. Add water and mix until a rough, shaggy mixture forms.
  3.  Cover bowl with plastic wrap and set in a warm spot for 12 – 18 hours. Overnight works great. Letting it rest can be a little forgiving, but at least 12 hours is best.
  4.  Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. When it reaches temperature, place a cast-iron pot with a lid in the oven and heat the pot for 30 minutes. If you don’t have a cast-iron pot, you can use any vehicle that can take high heat. If you don’t have a lid, you can use foil.
  5. Move the dough onto a heavily floured surface and shape into a ball. Place on a piece of parchment paper. You can make decorative markings on your bread if desired. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit while the pot is heating in the oven.
  6. Carefully take the hot pot from the oven, take off the plastic wrap, and drop in the dough into the pot along with the parchment paper. Cover and return to oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes remove the lid and bake an additional 12-15 minutes until the top is lightly browned. Remove bread from oven and place on a cooling rack to cool. Slather with butter, jam, dip in flavored oil, or eat it plain! It’s delicious!