Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen—now that's a dream worth savoring! With our Overnight Artisan Walnut Bread recipe, you can turn that dream into a delightful reality. This rustic loaf, bursting with the rich flavor of walnuts and a chewy crust, is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a testament to the magic of slow fermentation. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a savory snack, this bread will elevate any meal. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into the simple steps that will have you enjoying homemade artisan bread in no time!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Artisan
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and instant yeast. Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the water. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. The mixture should look rough and not completely smooth.
- Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours. This long fermentation will develop deep, complex flavors and improve the bread's texture.
- After the overnight rest, the dough will look bubbly and have increased in volume. Generously dust a clean work surface with flour.
- Carefully transfer the sticky dough onto the floured surface. With floured hands, gently shape the dough into a round loaf, being careful not to deflate the air bubbles.
- Prepare a proofing basket or a bowl lined with a well-floured kitchen towel. Transfer the shaped dough into the basket, seam-side up.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for an additional 1-2 hours at room temperature until it has noticeably increased in volume.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a lid inside the oven during preheating.
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven, and gently turn the dough out onto a piece of parchment paper. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to allow for expansion.
- Carefully lower the dough into the hot Dutch oven using the parchment paper. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely before slicing, which helps the crumb set and prevents gumminess.
- Slice and serve the artisan walnut bread. It's perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoyed on its own with butter.
Tips
- Plan Ahead: Since this recipe requires an overnight rise, make sure to start the process the day before you want to enjoy your bread. This allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
- Temperature Matters: For the best results, let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the bowl in the oven (turned off) with the light on to create a cozy environment.
- Don’t Rush the Rest: The long fermentation time is key to achieving that artisan texture and flavor. Resist the urge to shorten the resting period; it’s worth the wait!
- Use a Dutch Oven: Baking your bread in a preheated Dutch oven creates a steamy environment that helps develop a crispy crust while keeping the inside tender.
- Experiment with Nuts: While walnuts add a delightful crunch, feel free to experiment with other nuts or seeds for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
- Cool Before Cutting: Allow your bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the crumb set properly, preventing it from becoming gummy.
- Store Properly: To keep your bread fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature for a couple of days, or slice and freeze it for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 164kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
