Blueberry Artisan Bread

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Blueberry Artisan Bread 🍞🫐

Introduction

Blueberry Artisan Bread is a rustic, crusty loaf filled with juicy blueberries and subtle sweetness. With its golden crackled crust and soft, airy interior, this bread combines the classic charm of European artisan baking with the fresh flavor of berries. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a lightly sweet snack with coffee or tea.

This type of bread is often inspired by traditional rustic loaves baked in cast iron Dutch ovens, creating a bakery-style crust at home.

History of Artisan Bread

Artisan bread traces its roots to ancient civilizations, especially in Europe where bread-making became a respected craft. Countries like France and Italy are famous for rustic breads such as sourdough and country loaves.

The addition of fruits like blueberries is a more modern twist, popular in North America where blueberries are widely grown. Fruit breads became popular as bakers experimented with combining sweet and savory elements.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (optional for slight sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups warm water (not hot)

Add-ins:

  • 1 to 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon flour (to coat blueberries)

Method 1: No-Knead Dutch Oven Method

Step 1: Mix the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
  2. Add warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Gently fold in blueberries coated lightly in flour.

Step 2: First Rise

  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or cloth.
  • Let it rise at room temperature for 8–12 hours until doubled and bubbly.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

  • Lightly flour a surface.
  • Gently shape the dough into a round loaf.
  • Let rest for 30–45 minutes.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F) with a Dutch oven inside.
  2. Carefully place dough into hot pot.
  3. Bake covered for 30 minutes.
  4. Remove lid and bake 10–15 more minutes until golden brown.

Method 2: Traditional Kneaded Method

  1. Mix ingredients as above.
  2. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
  3. Let rise 1–2 hours.
  4. Shape and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
  5. Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 35–40 minutes.

Formation (Texture & Structure)

  • Crust: Golden, crispy, slightly crackled
  • Crumb: Soft, airy, slightly chewy
  • Flavor: Lightly sweet with bursts of tangy blueberry
  • Color: Creamy interior with purple berry streaks

The steam in the Dutch oven helps create the artisan crust by trapping moisture during baking.

Benefits

  • Provides energy from carbohydrates
  • Contains antioxidants from blueberries
  • Homemade means no preservatives
  • Can be made with whole wheat flour for added fiber

Blueberries are rich in vitamins C and K and support immune health.

Nutrition (Approximate per slice)

  • Calories: 180–220
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 1–2g
  • Fiber: 2–3g
  • Natural sugars from blueberries

Values vary depending on portion size and ingredients used.

Lovers of Blueberry Artisan Bread ❤️

This bread is loved by:

  • Breakfast lovers
  • Coffee shop fans
  • Home bakers
  • Health-conscious eaters
  • Families who enjoy homemade comfort food

It pairs beautifully with:

  • Butter
  • Cream cheese
  • Honey
  • Greek yogurt
  • A cup of tea or coffee

Conclusion

Blueberry Artisan Bread is a beautiful combination of rustic tradition and fruity freshness. With its crispy crust and soft, flavorful center, it brings bakery-quality bread into your home kitchen. Whether you choose the no-knead method or the traditional kneaded technique, the result is a stunning loaf filled with juicy blueberry goodness.

Once you bake it, you’ll understand why so many bread lovers adore this delicious artisan creation. 🍞💜

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