Description
This Easy Rustic Bread Recipe yields a crusty, golden loaf with a chewy crumb, perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoying with butter. Using simple ingredients and a straightforward process that includes yeast activation, kneading, two rises, and baking, this homemade bread is approachable for all skill levels and results in a delicious, artisan-style loaf in just about two hours.
Ingredients
Scale
Yeast Mixture
- 3 cups warm water (lukewarm, not hot)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Dough
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- 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 and ready to use.
- Build the dough: Gradually add 6 cups of all-purpose flour and 3 teaspoons of salt to the activated yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until a shaggy dough forms and starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and pliable. The dough should slowly spring back when poked, indicating proper gluten development.
- First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape and second rise: Punch down the risen dough gently to release air, turn it onto a floured surface, and shape it into your desired loaf shape. Place the loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until puffed.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Optionally, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to allow expansion. Bake the bread for 30 to 40 minutes until it is deep golden brown and the internal temperature registers 195-200°F (90-95°C). Remove the loaf and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to ensure the best texture.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Using a digital thermometer for internal temperature helps achieve perfectly baked bread.
- Allow the bread to cool completely to prevent a gummy texture inside.
- The dough can be kneaded by hand, but a stand mixer with a dough hook can be used to save effort.
- Scoring the loaf before baking enhances the bread’s appearance and controls how it expands.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: rustic bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, crusty bread, yeast bread, artisan bread
