Baking Bread in the Arteflame Pizza Oven

Baking bread in the Arteflame pizza oven imparts a unique, rustic flavor and texture that you can't achieve with conventional ovens. The high heat and even cooking surface of the pizza oven ensure a perfect crust and a soft, airy interior.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

1. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Transfer it to a floured surface and shape it into a loaf or your desired bread shape.  Make sure you keep the bread rather flat as it will rise in the oven.  You don't want it to rise so much that it contact ts the top of the oven!  If you want the traditional height, use spacers to raise the oven up.  (we used some bricks!)

Step 3: Prepare the Oven

1. Heat the Arteflame Pizza Oven: Fire up the Arteflame pizza oven to reach a temperature of around 450°F (232°C). Allow it to heat evenly, ensuring the flat cooktop is hot.  Move the charcoal / wood away from directly underneath the pizza oven so the bottom of the bread bakes at the same speed as the rest.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

1. Bake: Place the shaped dough in the oven directly on the steel cooktop.
2. Bake Time: Bake for about 25-35 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
2. Serve: Slice and enjoy your freshly baked bread with butter, olive oil, or your favorite spread.

Tips

• Temperature Control: Monitor the oven temperature closely, as wood-fired ovens can get very hot.
• Flavor Variations: Add herbs, garlic, or cheese to the dough for different flavors.

Conclusion

Baking bread in the Arteflame pizza oven brings out a delicious, rustic flavor with a perfectly crispy crust. This method elevates your homemade bread to a whole new level, making it a delightful addition to any meal.

Variations

1. Garlic Herb Bread: Add minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
2. Cheese Bread: Fold in shredded cheese before the first rise.
3. Olive Bread: Mix in chopped olives and a bit of olive oil for a Mediterranean twist.
4. Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
5. Seeded Bread: Roll the shaped dough in a mixture of seeds (sesame, poppy, flax) before baking.

Pairings

• Serve with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
• Enjoy with a bowl of hot soup or stew.
• Pair with a selection of cheeses and charcuterie.