Description
This Cranberry White Chocolate Artisan Bread is a delightful homemade loaf combining the tartness of dried cranberries with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate chips. Featuring a no-knead dough technique and baked to golden perfection in a Dutch oven, this artisan bread boasts a rustic crust and soft, flavorful crumb—perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached flour
- 1¼ teaspoons sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1½ cups hot water
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the white whole wheat flour, unbleached flour, sea salt, and instant dry yeast by hand until evenly distributed.
- Add Water and Mix: Pour in the hot water and stir the mixture until all the dry ingredients are moistened, creating a sticky dough. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap that has been generously sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- First Rise: Let the dough sit undisturbed at room temperature for at least 12 hours, allowing it to ferment and develop flavor.
- Incorporate Add-ins and Knead Gently: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Add the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips, then gently knead just until these ingredients are evenly incorporated. Shape the dough by pulling the sides inward and flipping it over to form a neat loaf.
- Second Rise: Cover the dough again with the sprayed plastic wrap and let it rise for about 45 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat Dutch Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a ceramic Dutch oven and its lid inside to heat up thoroughly.
- Bake the Bread: Carefully transfer the risen dough into the hot Dutch oven, replace the lid, and bake for 25 to 27 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the hot water is around 110°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
- The long fermentation time enhances flavor and texture, so avoid rushing the process.
- Using a Dutch oven helps create steam that results in a crusty artisan loaf similar to bakery-style bread.
- White chocolate chips can melt and add sweetness contrast to the tart cranberries.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
