Rustic bread is a hearty, crusty loaf with a soft and airy interior, perfect for dipping in olive oil, serving alongside soups, or making your favorite sandwiches. With its simple ingredients and no-knead method, this bread is incredibly easy to make at home, even for beginners. The long fermentation process allows the dough to develop a deep, complex flavor and a beautiful open crumb. The result is a golden-brown loaf with a crisp crust that’s both rustic and artisanal in appearance. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this rustic bread recipe will bring the warm, comforting smell of fresh bread to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp active dry yeast
- 1½ cups warm water
Instructions:
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast. Add the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. The dough will be sticky, but that’s okay.
- Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size and is bubbly.
- Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a well-floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf by folding the edges into the center. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Preheat the oven: Place a Dutch oven (or heavy pot with a lid) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C). Let the pot heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake the bread: Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven and place a piece of parchment paper inside. Transfer the shaped dough onto the parchment paper. Cover the pot with its lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the pot and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
This rustic bread has a beautifully crisp crust and a soft, chewy interior, making it a perfect loaf for any occasion, whether you’re serving it with a meal or enjoying it on its own with butter!
