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Easy Rustic Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 142 reviews

This Easy Rustic Bread Recipe yields a hearty, crusty loaf with a chewy interior, perfect for sandwiches, toasts, or accompanying your favorite meals. Using simple pantry staples and straightforward steps, this recipe is ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers seeking a reliable homemade bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Yeast Mixture

  • 3 cups warm water (lukewarm, about 100-110°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Dough

  • 6 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons salt

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of warm water (lukewarm, not hot), 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Build the dough: To the activated yeast mixture, gradually add 6 cups of all-purpose flour and 3 teaspoons of salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms and 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 until smooth, elastic, and pliable. The dough should spring back slowly when poked, showing good gluten development.
  4. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat the surface with oil. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
  5. Shape and second rise: Punch down the dough to release air, then turn it onto a floured surface. Shape the dough into your desired loaf form. Place the shaped loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffed.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Optionally, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife or lame to help expansion during baking. Bake the bread for 30-40 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 195-200°F (90-95°C). Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • Ensure your water is lukewarm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Kneading properly is key for good gluten structure and texture.
  • Rising times can vary depending on room temperature; patience is important.
  • Allow bread to cool completely before slicing to set the crumb and avoid a gummy texture.
  • You can store leftover bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in a bread box for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Rustic bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, crusty bread, no-knead bread substitute

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