Description

This Blueberry Artisan Bread is a soft, fluffy, slightly sweet rustic loaf bursting with fresh blueberries. It features a crispy golden crust and tender crumb, similar to high-end bakery sourdough bread. It can be made as a no-knead bread or traditional kneaded loaf.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or healthy snacks, this bread pairs beautifully with cream cheese, butter, or honey. It’s also ideal for meal prep baking.

Ingredients

3 ½ cups bread flour (high-protein flour for better gluten structure)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon sugar or honey
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Add Blueberries

Gently fold in blueberries. Be careful not to crush them too much to avoid turning the dough purple.

Step 4: First Rise

Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours (or overnight for slow fermentation).

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Turn onto floured surface and gently shape into a round artisan loaf.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place in a parchment-lined bowl and let rise 30–45 minutes.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat oven to 450°F. Bake in a Dutch oven (or on baking stone) for:

20 minutes covered
15–20 minutes uncovered

Internal temperature should reach 200–210°F.

Pro Baking Tips

✔ Use bread flour for better gluten development
✔ Do not overmix after adding blueberries
✔ Dust top with sugar for caramelized crust
✔ Bake in Dutch oven for crispy crust

Storage Tips

Store at room temperature for 2 days
Freeze slices for up to 3 months
Toast before serving for best texture

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, but do not thaw them first to prevent excess moisture.

2. Is this sourdough bread?

This version uses yeast, but you can substitute with active sourdough starter for authentic blueberry sourdough bread.

3. Why is my bread dense?

Possible reasons:

Underproofed dough
Too much flour
Old yeast

4. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free bread flour blend with xanthan gum.

5. How do I get a bakery-style crust?

Bake in a preheated Dutch oven to trap steam.

Delicious Variations

Lemon Blueberry Bread (add lemon zest)
Blueberry Cream Cheese Swirl Bread
Cinnamon Blueberry Breakfast Loaf
High-protein Greek yogurt blueberry bread