Homemade Easy Rustic Bread

Make your own easy Rustic Bread with just basic ingredients! NOTE: The utensils listed in the recipe are optional, but they can make the process easier

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Warm the water to 108–112°F (42–44°C). Add the yeast and sugar, then stir gently to combine. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes, until a layer of foam forms on the surface. If no foam appears, discard the mixture and start again—this indicates the yeast is inactive and the bread will not rise properly.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and stir with a wooden spoon or bread spoon—no stand mixer needed—until a sticky, wet dough forms.

Step 3

Let the dough rise for 1½ hours. Then begin a series of stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes, repeating this process three times. By the end, the dough should have at least doubled in size and show visible bubbles throughout.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) with a cast iron pot and lid inside so they heat up thoroughly. Once hot, shape the dough into a ball and carefully place it into the preheated pot. Score the top with a few shallow cuts using a knife to decorate and help the bread expand as it bakes.

Step 5

Bake for 20–25 minutes, then remove the lid and continue baking until the bread reaches a deep golden color, about 15–20 minutes more. Once done, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool, then slice with a serrated knife.