Description
A crusty, no-knead artisan bread studded with tart dried cranberries and fragrant orange zest. This rustic loaf features a chewy interior and a golden, crispy crust.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 3/4 cups warm water (70° to 75°)
- 4 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in the warm water in a small bowl. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 1/2 cups of flour and the salt. Stir the yeast mixture into the flour with a rubber spatula until a soft, sticky dough forms. Do not knead. Cover and let rise at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Pat into a 9-inch square. Fold into thirds to make a rectangle, then fold into thirds again to make a square. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise until almost doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and repeat the folding process. Return to the bowl, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Dust a disposable foil roasting pan with cornmeal. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead in the cranberries and orange zest. Shape into a 6-inch round loaf. Place in the pan and dust with the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour. Cover and let rise until expanded to about 7 1/2 inches, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 500°F. Slash the top of the loaf 1/4 inch deep with a sharp knife. Cover the pan tightly with foil. Bake on the lowest rack for 25 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 450°F. Remove the foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes until deep golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
Ensure the water is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast. The overnight chill is essential for flavor development.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Rising/Chilling: 15 hr
- Cook Time: 55 min
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 129
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 296mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: rustic cranberry orange bread, homemade artisan bread, cranberry orange loaf, no knead bread recipe, holiday baking