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Easy Rustic Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 62 reviews

This Easy Rustic Bread Recipe yields a homemade loaf with a crisp, golden crust and a soft, airy interior. Using simple pantry ingredients, this bread requires no special equipment and comes together with straightforward steps perfect for beginner bakers and bread enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 cups warm water (lukewarm, about 110°F/43°C)

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 6 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons salt

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of warm water, 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Stir gently until dissolved and let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Build the dough: Gradually add 6 cups of all-purpose flour and 3 teaspoons of salt to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until the dough comes together, forming a shaggy mass that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. Work the dough until it becomes smooth, elastic, and pliable, and gently springs back when poked.
  4. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Shape and second rise: Punch down the risen dough to release gas, then transfer it back to a floured surface. Shape it into your preferred loaf shape and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with a cloth and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffed.
  6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Optionally, use a sharp knife to score the top of the loaf. Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reads 195-200°F (90-95°C). Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the water is warm but not hot to correctly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy when baking to check the bread’s internal temperature.
  • Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to preserve the crumb texture.
  • For an extra crispy crust, place a pan of water in the oven during baking to create steam.
  • This bread freezes well; slice before freezing for easy thawing and toasting.

Keywords: rustic bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, yeast bread, crusty bread, homemade loaf

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/easy-rustic-bread-recipe/