Easy Homemade Rustic Bread

This Easy Homemade Rustic Bread is wonderfully simple to make, with a crisp golden crust and a soft, tender centre. Made with just a handful of everyday ingredients, this homemade loaf is perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, pasta or simply enjoying warm with butter.

There’s something so satisfying about pulling a freshly baked loaf from the oven. The dough comes together quickly, needs very little handling, and after a simple rise, it bakes into a beautiful rustic-style bread with plenty of homemade character.

Ingredients

For the Bread

• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) warm water
• 1 tsp honey or sugar
• 1 tbsp olive oil, optional

How to Make Easy Homemade Rustic Bread

1. Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt and instant yeast. Stir the honey into the warm water, then pour it into the flour mixture.

Mix with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms. If using olive oil, add it with the water and mix until incorporated.

2. Let It Rise

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Leave the dough at room temperature for 1–2 hours, or until it has noticeably risen.

The dough does not need to be perfectly smooth. Its rustic appearance is part of what makes this loaf so easy and appealing.

3. Shape the Dough

Lightly flour your work surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface and gently shape it into a round loaf.

Avoid overworking the dough. Handle it gently so the loaf keeps some of the air developed during the rise.

4. Prepare for Baking

Place the shaped dough on parchment paper and transfer it to a baking dish or oven-safe pot.

Cover and let it rest for another 20–30 minutes while the oven preheats.

5. Bake

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Bake the loaf for 30–35 minutes, until the top is deeply golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

6. Cool Before Slicing

Transfer the freshly baked bread to a wire rack and allow it to cool for at least 20–30 minutes before slicing.

This gives the crumb time to set while helping the inside stay soft and tender.

How to Serve Rustic Bread

This homemade loaf is wonderfully versatile. Slice it and serve it warm with butter, or use it as a simple accompaniment to your favourite meals.

• Serve alongside hearty soups and stews.
• Pair with fresh salads or roasted vegetables.
• Use slices for sandwiches and toast.
• Serve with butter, olive oil or your favourite spread.
• Enjoy alongside pasta dishes and Mediterranean-style meals.

Recipe Notes

The dough should remain slightly sticky, so avoid adding too much extra flour when shaping it. Gentle handling helps keep the loaf light while maintaining its rustic texture.

Most importantly, allow the bread to cool before cutting. Slicing too early can affect the texture of the soft interior.

Nutrition & Timing

Prep Time: 15 min . Rise Time: 2 hrs . Cook Time: 35 min . Total Time: 2 hrs 50 min . Servings: 10 slices

Approx. 175 Calories | 5g Protein per slice

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