Mastering Seeded Artisan Bread Dough: A Rustic Delight

First off — thank you for being here. If you’ve ever felt the joy of pulling a warm loaf of bread from your oven and hearing that satisfying crackle as it cools, then you know — baking bread is a love language all its own. There’s something sacred and grounding about it. And today, I’m so excited to share with you a recipe that’s extra special: Seeded Artisan Bread Dough.

This isn’t just any bread — it’s crusty on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and packed with the earthy crunch of a wholesome seed blend. Whether you’re a weekend bread warrior or just starting out, this is the loaf that will make you feel like a total rockstar in the kitchen.

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🥖 What Is Seeded Artisan Bread?

Seeded artisan bread is a rustic, slow-fermented dough that’s studded with a blend of nutritious seeds. The result? A beautifully golden, crackly crust and a chewy, open-crumb interior that’s dotted with nutty flavor.

Unlike quick sandwich breads, this dough is more about patience and simplicity. With a few high-quality ingredients and a bit of technique, you'll get a loaf that looks (and tastes) straight from a European bakery.

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❤️ Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• Super flavorful – Thanks to the seed blend, each bite is toasty, nutty, and layered.
• Minimal kneading – This is more “set-it-and-wait” than muscle-building.
• Incredibly satisfying – That golden, crusty finish? Irresistible.
• Customizable – Use your favorite seeds, add herbs, or mix in dried fruits.
• Freezer-friendly – Make one, freeze one!

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🌾 What Does It Taste Like?

This bread is deeply savory with pops of nutty crunch. The seeds toast beautifully during baking, releasing oils that blend with the yeasty, slightly tangy dough. The crust is shatteringly crisp, and the inside is moist yet chewy, making it ideal for everything from breakfast toast to hearty sandwiches.

It’s rustic, warm, and just a little wild — in the best possible way.

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🌟 Health Benefits of Seeded Artisan Bread

• Fiber-rich from flaxseeds, chia, and whole grains
• Good fats from seeds like sunflower and sesame
• Lower glycemic index than white bread
• Filling and energizing – ideal for breakfast or lunch
• No preservatives – just real, whole ingredients

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🛒 Ingredients List

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups (440g) bread flour
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Seed Mix:

• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp flaxseeds
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• Optional: 1 tsp caraway seeds (adds a subtle anise flavor)

📝 Pro tip: Toast the seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes before mixing them in. It makes all the difference!

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🔧 Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Dutch oven or baking stone
• Kitchen scale (for precision)
• Dough scraper (optional but helpful!)
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife or lame (for scoring the dough)
• Towel or plastic wrap for proofing

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🔁 Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions

• Swap flour: Use half whole wheat for a nuttier flavor.
• Add-ins: Dried cranberries, walnuts, or rosemary.
• No Dutch oven? Use a baking sheet and place a pan of water underneath for steam.

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🍞 How to Make Seeded Artisan Bread Dough

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Stir in warm water and olive oil until a shaggy dough forms. Add the seed mix, then mix until combined.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for 8–12 hours, or until doubled in size and bubbly.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Gently fold it a few times (no kneading!) into a round or oval shape.

Step 4: Second Rise

Place the dough seam-side down on parchment. Cover and let rise for 45–60 minutes while the oven preheats.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside. When hot, carefully place the dough into the Dutch oven (parchment and all), score the top, cover, and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the lid and bake for 10–15 more minutes until deeply golden.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool completely before slicing — it’s hard, I know, but worth it!

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🍯 What to Serve It With

• Slathered in butter and honey
• Topped with avocado and poached eggs
• With a bowl of hearty soup or chili
• As a base for bruschetta
• Served with cheese and olives for a rustic appetizer board

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💡 Tips for the Best Seeded Bread

• Hydration is key – Sticky dough = airy crumb. Don’t add too much flour!
• Let it rest – The long ferment improves flavor and texture.
• Steam matters – A Dutch oven mimics bakery steam ovens, creating that crispy crust.
• Preheat well – A hot oven ensures that perfect oven spring (rise).
• Use fresh seeds – Old seeds can taste bitter or go rancid.

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🧊 Storage Instructions

• Room temp: Store in a bread bag or wrapped in a towel for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Slice and freeze for up to 3 months. Toast straight from frozen.
• Avoid the fridge: It dries out the bread.

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ℹ️ General Info

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Rise time: 8–12 hours
• Bake time: 40–45 minutes
• Total time: ~13 hours
• Servings: 1 large loaf (10–12 slices)

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?
Yes — just dissolve it in warm water first and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before mixing into the flour.

Do I have to use all the seeds?
Not at all! Mix and match based on what you love or have on hand.

Why is my dough so sticky?
This is normal! Artisan doughs are higher hydration — use floured hands and tools for easier handling.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Not with this exact recipe. High-gluten bread flour is key to the texture. Try a gluten-free specific recipe.

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🥰 In Conclusion

Making artisan bread is more than just baking — it’s a grounding ritual, a sensory experience, and a delicious reward all in one. This Seeded Artisan Bread is as hearty and wholesome as it is beautiful, and once you’ve made it, you’ll feel the magic every time you slice into that crust.

Whether it’s your first loaf or your fiftieth, I promise — you’ve got this.

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🍞 More Bread Recipes You’ll Love

• Honey Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread
• Rosemary Olive No-Knead Loaf
• Cranberry Walnut Rustic Rounds

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📸 Share Your Loaf!

Baked this beauty? I would love to see it!
📌 Pin it on Pinterest, snap a photo, or leave a comment with your favorite way to serve it.
Let’s inspire other home bakers together!

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📊 Nutritional Info (Per Slice – Approximate, 1/10 of loaf)

• Calories: 180
• Carbs: 30g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: <1g

Values may vary slightly depending on flour and seed blend.

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