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Homemade Rustic Bread Loaves Recipe

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This Homemade Rustic Bread Loaf recipe guides you through making a simple yet delicious crusty bread using basic pantry ingredients. Perfect for those who love fresh, artisanal-style bread made right at home with a crisp crust and soft interior.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (about 420 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast (about 3 grams)
  • 1 ½ cups warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt (about 9 grams)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and mix until you form a sticky but cohesive dough. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours until it becomes bubbly and doubles in size.
  2. Shape the Loaf: Lightly flour a clean surface and transfer the dough onto it. Fold the dough over itself a few times to form a rough ball. Let it rest for about 15 minutes to relax the gluten.
  3. Proof the Bread: Prepare a cloth-lined bowl by dusting it with flour. Place the dough seam-side down into the cloth and cover it. Let it rise another 1 to 2 hours until it has nearly doubled.
  4. Preheat the Oven and Dutch Oven: About 30 minutes before baking, place a heavy lidded pot (such as a Dutch oven) into the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C). This ensures the pot is very hot for baking.
  5. Bake the Bread: Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Gently turn the dough out onto a piece of parchment paper, then lift the parchment with the dough and place it into the hot pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Develop the Crust: After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to brown the crust until it’s deep golden and crusty.
  7. Cool the Loaf: Remove the bread from the pot and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This step allows the interior to finish setting properly.

Notes

  • Using a Dutch oven or any heavy lidded pot helps to trap steam which creates a crispy crust.
  • If you do not have a Dutch oven, bake the bread on a baking stone or sheet and place a pan of water at the bottom of the oven to generate steam.
  • Do not skip the long rise time; it develops flavor and texture.
  • Use warm water (not hot) to activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Store leftover bread in a paper bag or bread box to maintain crustiness.

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

Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/homemade-rustic-bread-loaves-recipe/