Homemade Rustic Crusty Bread

Homemade Rustic Crusty Bread

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. This rustic crusty bread delivers everything you crave: a beautifully golden, crunchy exterior with a soft, airy, chewy inside—just like artisan bakery-style loaves. What makes it even more special? It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of basic ingredients, no kneading, and very little hands-on effort. Whether you’re new to bread making or an experienced home baker, this recipe will quickly become a favorite thanks to its ease and outstanding results.

Ingredients

• 3 cups (380 g) all-purpose flour or bread flour

• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) warm water (not hot)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp active dry yeast or instant yeast

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Pour in the warm water and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough comes together. It will be sticky—this is normal.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and let it rest at room temperature for 12–18 hours. This slow fermentation helps develop flavor and texture.

2. Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen and is bubbly on the surface, generously flour your work surface.
Turn the dough out gently and fold it over itself a few times to shape it into a ball. Do not knead.
Place the shaped dough on a floured surface or parchment paper, sprinkle a little flour on top, and cover it with a kitchen towel.
Let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

3. Preheat the Oven and Pot
Place a Dutch oven (or heavy oven-safe pot with lid) inside your oven.
Preheat to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes to ensure the pot is thoroughly heated.

4. Bake the Bread
Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven.
Using parchment paper or floured hands, gently place the dough inside the pot.
Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes to develop that beautiful golden-brown, crispy crust.

5. Cool and Serve
Remove the bread from the pot and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the interior set properly.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for dipping in olive oil and balsamic vinegar

• Serve warm with butter, honey, or homemade jam

• Great alongside soups, stews, or salads

• Makes excellent sandwich bread or garlic toast

Conclusion

This Homemade Rustic Crusty Bread is proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or special equipment to bake an amazing loaf. With minimal ingredients and effortless preparation, you can create a bakery-style bread that’s golden, crispy, and full of wonderful flavor. It’s wholesome, comforting, and perfect for any meal. Once you make it, you’ll never want to buy store-bought bread again! Enjoy every warm, crunchy slice.