Print

Easy Rustic Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 57 reviews

This Easy Rustic Bread recipe delivers a classic, homemade loaf with a crispy crust and tender crumb. Using simple pantry ingredients and straightforward steps, this bread is perfect for beginner bakers looking to create a hearty, artisan-style bread without any fancy equipment.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 3 cups warm water (lukewarm, about 100°F/38°C)

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 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 and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is 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 until a shaggy dough forms and begins to pull 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. Continue until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pliable, and it springs back slowly when you poke it.
  4. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape and second rise: Punch down the dough gently to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and shape it into your preferred loaf shape. Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with a towel, and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Optionally, score the top of your loaf with a sharp knife to help with expansion. Bake the bread for 30 to 40 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 195-200°F (90-95°C). Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • Ensure water is lukewarm, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast.
  • Kneading the dough sufficiently is key to develop gluten and achieve a good texture.
  • For a crustier loaf, place a pan of water in the oven while baking to create steam.
  • Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent gummy texture.
  • Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

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

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