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Easy Rustic Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 76 reviews

This Easy Rustic Bread Recipe offers a straightforward approach to baking a classic, crusty loaf at home. With simple ingredients and clear steps, it results in a delicious bread with a golden crust and soft, chewy interior perfect for sandwiches or alongside meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Yeast Mixture

  • 3 cups warm water (lukewarm, about 110°F or 43°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Dough Ingredients

  • 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 becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Build the dough: Gradually add 6 cups of all-purpose flour and 3 teaspoons salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly springy when poked.
  4. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning the dough to coat all sides. Cover and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Shape and second rise: Punch down the risen dough to release gases, then shape it into your desired loaf shape on a floured surface. Place the shaped loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes.
  6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Optionally, score the top of the loaf to allow expansion while baking. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature of the bread reaches 195-200°F (90-95°C). Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • Make sure water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Kneading develops gluten, essential for bread texture.
  • Letting the dough rise in a warm spot helps yeast ferment properly.
  • Use a kitchen thermometer to check internal bread temperature for best results.
  • Allow bread to completely cool before slicing to prevent gummy texture.

Keywords: Rustic bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, crusty bread, yeast bread, simple bread recipe

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