Artisan bread is a term that refers to a style of bread that is usually handmade, fresh, crusty, and deliciously rustic looking. It is characterized by being made by hand using traditional processing techniques, higher water absorption levels, lean formulations, pre-ferments, and longer fermentation times compared to commercial pan bread and rolls. Artisan bread usually has only four ingredients to make the dough: flour, salt, yeast, and water, and it is usually offered unpackaged (in baskets) and consumed immediately after baking for maximum freshness. The term "artisan" has no absolute definition, but it generally refers to bread that is made using traditional methods, only uses natural ingredients, takes longer to make, cant be made on a large scale, or is made by an artisan. The main differences between a loaf of artisan bread and regularly manufactured bread are the ingredients and methods used to create the bread. Artisan bread is a great way for a new bread baker because it takes just a few ingredients, and you don’t need any fancy equipment.