Seeded Artisan Bread Dough Recipe

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a small bowl, combine the warm water and honey (or sugar). Stir until the honey dissolves.
• Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes frothy. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it may be expired, so start with a fresh batch.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. If you’re using whole wheat flour, substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat for a heartier loaf.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the olive oil and stir everything together using a wooden spoon or a spatula until a rough dough begins to form.

4. Add the Seeds:

• Sprinkle in the mixed seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, flax, and chia) and gently fold them into the dough until evenly distributed. You can also reserve some of the seeds for topping the bread later.

5. Knead the Dough:

• Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but try to avoid adding too much as it could make the bread dense.

6. First Rise:

• Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil, place the dough in the bowl, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size. If you’re in a hurry, you can let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm oven (preheated to 200°F and then turned off).

7. Shape the Dough:

• After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and shape it into a round or oval loaf, depending on your preference.
• If you’d like to add extra seeds or oats on top of the bread, brush the top of the dough lightly with water and sprinkle the seeds or oats over the top before baking.

8. Second Rise:

• Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a greased Dutch oven. Cover it again with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until it has puffed up.

9. Bake the Bread:

• Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you’re baking on a baking sheet, you can place a small oven-safe dish of water on the bottom rack to create steam, which will help the bread develop a crusty exterior.
• Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. For a darker crust, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
• If you’re using a Dutch oven, cover it with a lid for the first 20 minutes of baking, then uncover it to allow the crust to brown and crisp up.

10. Cool the Bread:

• Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This step ensures that the bread sets and prevents it from being too doughy when cut.

Tips for Success:

• Kneading: Kneading is essential for developing gluten in the dough, which gives the bread its chewy texture. If you have a stand mixer with a dough hook, you can use it to knead the dough for 5-7 minutes.
• Seed Varieties: Feel free to customize the seeds based on your preference. You can add poppy seeds, hemp seeds, or even a bit of shredded coconut for a unique flavor. The more seeds, the better!
• Storage: This bread is best eaten within 2-3 days. After that, you can slice and freeze it for longer storage. Simply toast slices as needed, and enjoy fresh, homemade bread any time!
• Oven Temperature: If you prefer a softer crust, bake at 400°F instead of 450°F. The bread will still be delicious but with a slightly softer exterior.

Why You’ll Love Seeded Artisan Bread Dough:

• Rustic Flavor: The mix of seeds in this bread adds depth and complexity, creating a rustic, nutty flavor that’s perfect for any meal.
• Perfect Texture: With a chewy, airy interior and a crunchy, golden crust, this artisan bread delivers the best of both worlds.
• Versatile: Whether you serve it as a side to soups and salads, use it for sandwiches, or enjoy it with butter and jam, this bread is incredibly versatile and can be paired with any dish.
• Customizable: You can adjust the types of seeds you use and the level of crustiness to your liking, making this recipe highly adaptable to your taste preferences.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a delicious, homemade bread with a delightful crunch and hearty texture, this Seeded Artisan Bread Dough recipe is all you need. With minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients, you can bake a rustic, flavorful loaf that rivals anything you’d find at a bakery. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe will have you baking artisan bread like a pro in no time! Enjoy the process and the delicious results with every bite!