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Easiest Rustic Bread Recipe Ever

Crusty artisan-style rustic bread loaf with a slice cut open, revealing its airy crumb on a wooden cutting board.
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Rustic bread is a crusty, free-form artisan loaf made with simple ingredients and minimal kneading. It features a chewy crumb, golden crust, and deep, developed flavor, perfect for serving with soups, cheese, or as toast.

Ingredients

  • Bread Flour – provides high protein for a chewy, structured crumb
  • Water – hydrates the flour and activates the yeast
  • Instant Yeast – helps the dough rise efficiently and reliably
  • Salt – enhances flavor and strengthens the gluten
  • Optional: Olive Oil – adds slight richness and softness
  • Optional: Whole Wheat Flour – adds earthy flavor and extra fiber

Instructions

  1. Combine flour, yeast, salt, and water in a bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Cover and let the dough rest at room temperature for 8–12 hours.
  3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and shape gently into a round or oval loaf.
  4. Place on parchment or in a floured bowl. Cover and let rise for 30–60 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 450°F with a Dutch oven or baking stone inside.
  6. Score the dough, transfer it to the hot oven, and bake covered for 20 minutes.
  7. Uncover and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
  8. Let the loaf chill for 10 minutes before slicing to set the crumb.

Notes

  • Use a Dutch oven for the best crust development and steam retention.
  • Let the dough ferment overnight for better flavor.
  • Do not over-knead—rustic bread needs minimal handling.
  • Score the top with a sharp blade to guide expansion and create a rustic look.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing for the best texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeeasily.com/easiest-rustic-bread/