Rustic Seeded Artisan Bread: A Crunchy and Wholesome Delight

There’s something truly special about homemade artisan bread—the crisp golden crust, the airy yet chewy interior, and the delightful nutty crunch from a blend of seeds. This Rustic Seeded Artisan Bread is packed with flavor, texture, and wholesome goodness. Whether you enjoy it warm with butter, as a base for sandwiches, or alongside soups and salads, this bread will quickly become a household favorite.

Baking bread at home may seem intimidating, but this recipe is simple, requiring just a few basic ingredients and some patience. The combination of all-purpose flour, warm water, and a blend of seeds like sunflower, flax, and sesame creates a perfect balance of chewiness and crunch. With a touch of olive oil and a slow-rise method, this bread develops an incredible depth of flavor.

Get ready to bake an artisanal loaf that looks, smells, and tastes like it came straight from a bakery!

Preparation Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Rising Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Baking Time: 35 – 40 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
• Yield: 1 large loaf or 2 smaller loaves

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose or bread flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for extra softness)
• ½ cup mixed seeds (sunflower, flax, sesame, chia, or pumpkin seeds)

For Topping (Optional)

• 1 tablespoon additional mixed seeds for sprinkling
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 1 egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is activated and ready to work.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

2. Add the flour and salt to the bowl with the yeast mixture. Stir using a wooden spoon or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. If using olive oil, add it now for extra tenderness.

3. Mix until the ingredients start coming together into a shaggy dough. Then, add the ½ cup of mixed seeds and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5–6 minutes.

Step 3: First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)

4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

5. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1.5 – 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

6. Once risen, punch down the dough to release excess air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round boule or oval loaf.

7. If making two smaller loaves, divide the dough in half and shape each portion accordingly.

8. Place the shaped dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or a floured proofing basket. Cover lightly and let it rest for 30–40 minutes while preheating the oven.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

9. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it inside to heat up as well.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Score the Bread

10. Once the dough has risen again, brush the top with egg wash for a glossy finish. Sprinkle additional seeds and coarse salt on top.

11. Using a sharp knife or a bread lame, score the top of the dough with a few slashes to allow steam to escape while baking.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

12. Place the loaf into the hot oven or Dutch oven. If baking directly on a sheet, place a small pan of hot water inside the oven to create steam—this helps develop a crisp crust.

13. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the bread has a deep golden-brown crust. It should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 8: Cooling and Serving

14. Transfer the baked bread to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the structure to set properly.

15. Serve warm with butter, alongside soup, or as part of a delicious sandwich.

 

Baking Rustic Seeded Artisan Bread at home is incredibly rewarding. Not only does your kitchen fill with an irresistible aroma, but you also get to enjoy a loaf packed with texture and flavor. The combination of crunchy seeds and a chewy interior makes this bread perfect for any occasion—whether you’re dipping it in olive oil, layering it with cheese and meats, or toasting it for breakfast.

Homemade bread offers a sense of accomplishment and a taste that store-bought varieties simply can’t match. Once you try this recipe, you’ll want to bake it again and again!