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Seeded Artisan Bread Dough Recipe

Seeded Artisan Bread Dough Recipe

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Seeded Artisan Bread Dough Recipe: The Perfect Homemade Loaf

If you’ve ever wanted to bake your own artisan bread at home, but were intimidated by the thought of creating the perfect dough, this Seeded Artisan Bread Dough recipe will put your worries to rest. With its rich texture, nutty flavors, and chewy crumb, this bread is ideal for everything from a simple sandwich to a hearty side dish. The addition of seeds like sesame, sunflower, or flax provides a delightful crunch and enhances the flavor of the bread, giving it a rustic, homemade appeal.

Making bread from scratch can seem like a daunting task, but this recipe simplifies the process, offering clear, easy-to-follow steps that produce bakery-quality bread with minimal effort. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this dough will help you create an impressive loaf that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients:

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or another vegetable oil)
  • 1/2 cup mixed seeds (such as sesame, sunflower, flax, or pumpkin seeds)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy depth of flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs (optional, such as rosemary or thyme for added flavor)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the warm water and sugar (or honey), then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. If you’re using any dried herbs, like rosemary or thyme, add them to the flour mixture for added flavor. Mixing the salt into the flour before adding the yeast helps ensure that the salt doesn’t inhibit the yeast’s action.

3. Form the Dough

Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the flour mixture, followed by the olive oil and apple cider vinegar (if using). Stir until the dough starts to come together. It will be sticky, but this is completely normal.

4. Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a clean, floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour as needed, but try not to add too much—artisan bread benefits from a slightly tacky dough that helps create a soft, airy crumb. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

5. Add the Seeds

Once the dough has been kneaded, sprinkle in the mixed seeds and gently fold them into the dough. Make sure the seeds are evenly distributed throughout. You can use any combination of seeds that you like, but a mixture of sunflower, flax, and sesame seeds works beautifully for a balanced flavor and texture.

6. First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size. If you have time, you can let it rise longer for a more developed flavor. Just keep an eye on it and make sure it’s not rising too quickly.

7. Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round or oval loaf, depending on your preference. You can also divide the dough in half to make two smaller loaves if desired.

8. Second Rise

Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased Dutch oven for a more traditional artisan bread shape. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes. This final rise allows the dough to become light and airy.

9. Preheat the Oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you’re baking your bread in a Dutch oven, place the Dutch oven with the lid inside the oven to preheat as well. This will help create a crusty exterior as it bakes.

10. Score the Dough and Bake

Just before placing the dough in the oven, use a sharp knife or razor blade to score the top of the dough with a few shallow slashes. This helps the bread expand evenly as it bakes and gives it that beautiful rustic look.

Transfer the dough into the preheated oven (or Dutch oven if using) and bake for about 30-35 minutes. If you’re using a Dutch oven, cover the bread with the lid for the first 20 minutes of baking, then remove the lid for the final 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to develop a crispy, golden crust.

The bread is done when it’s deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should reach about 200°F (93°C).

11. Cool and Serve

Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This resting time lets the steam inside settle, ensuring that your bread has the perfect texture.

Tips for the Perfect Seeded Artisan Bread:

  • Use a Bread Stone: If you have a baking stone, use it! Preheat it in the oven and bake your bread directly on it to achieve an even crispier crust.
  • Flour Variations: Feel free to swap out part of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor, or try bread flour for a slightly chewier texture.
  • Add More Seeds: For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle some seeds on top of the bread before baking. This gives the loaf a decorative and flavorful finish.
  • Storing the Bread: Keep your bread fresh by wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel and storing it in a cool, dry place. If you want to keep it for a longer time, slice it and freeze it for future use.
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Why You’ll Love This Seeded Artisan Bread:

  • Homemade Goodness: There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking bread from scratch. The smell of fresh bread filling your home is unmatched, and there’s no comparison to the taste of a warm, homemade loaf.
  • Customizable: You can personalize this bread by experimenting with different types of seeds, flours, and herbs. Add in your favorite flavors to make the bread uniquely yours.
  • Perfect for Any Meal: This seeded artisan bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it with soups, salads, or dips, or use it for sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with everything from savory spreads to sweet jams.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: The addition of seeds not only enhances the flavor but also provides healthy fats, fiber, and protein. You can feel good about serving this bread to your family, knowing it’s packed with nutrition.
  • Crusty and Chewy: The method of baking this bread gives it a perfect balance of a crispy crust and a chewy, airy interior—just like the artisan loaves you find at your favorite bakery.

Conclusion

This Seeded Artisan Bread Dough recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to bake their own bread at home. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you can create a rustic, flavorful loaf that rivals those from any artisan bakery. The added seeds give the bread texture, flavor, and nutritional benefits, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal or a delicious snack on its own.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-time bread maker, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the rewarding experience of baking your own homemade seeded artisan bread!