Homemade Rustic Bread Loaf

This Homemade Rustic Bread Loaf features a crisp golden crust and a soft, airy interior, making it an excellent choice for sandwiches, toast, or serving alongside soups and salads. Its simple preparation and classic texture make it an ideal everyday bread recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bread offers a bakery-quality result with minimal effort. It requires only basic ingredients and a straightforward mixing method, producing a loaf that is flavourful, tender, and beautifully risen. Whether enjoyed warm with butter or used as the foundation for a hearty meal, this rustic loaf delivers satisfying results every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• all-purpose flour or bread flour

• warm water

• active dry yeast

• salt

• sugar

• olive oil

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours or until doubled in size.

5. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.

6. Transfer the loaf to a greased bread pan or baking sheet.

7. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.

8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

9. Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.

10. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 1 standard loaf, serving approximately 8–10 slices.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 1½–2 hours
Baking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 2–2½ hours

Variations

• Herb Bread: Add dried rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the dough.

• Whole Wheat Loaf: Replace one-third to one-half of the flour with whole wheat flour.

• Garlic Bread Loaf: Mix minced garlic or garlic powder into the dough for aromatic flavour.

• Seeded Bread: Add sesame, poppy, or sunflower seeds to the dough or sprinkle on top before baking.

• Olive Bread: Fold chopped olives into the dough for Mediterranean flavour.

Storage/Reheating

Store the loaf at room temperature, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap in plastic wrap followed by foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat slices in a toaster or warm the entire loaf in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes.

FAQs

Why is my bread too dense?

Insufficient kneading or incorrect rising temperature can cause density.

Why didn’t my dough rise?

The yeast may be expired, or the water temperature may have been too hot or too cold.

Can I use instant yeast?

Yes, instant yeast can be added directly to the flour without proofing.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes, it kneads easily by hand.

Why is my crust too hard?

Overbaking or low humidity during baking can cause an overly firm crust.

Can I add butter instead of olive oil?

Yes, melted butter provides a richer flavour.

How do I get a shinier crust?

Brush the loaf with a little water or milk before baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast breads.

Why does my bread taste yeasty?

Too much yeast or insufficient baking can cause a yeasty flavour.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply divide the dough into two loaves for baking.

Conclusion

This Homemade Rustic Bread Loaf is a dependable recipe that produces a beautifully textured, flavourful loaf suitable for both everyday meals and special occasions. With simple ingredients and a timeless preparation method, it offers a perfect introduction to bread baking while delivering consistently delicious results.

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