No knead, no loaf pan, no Dutch oven, no problem! Our rustic bread recipe is so simple, using only 5 ingredients that you likely have stashed in your cupboards. In just a few hours, you'll have the most delicious bread that has an amazingly crispy crust and is pillow-soft inside!
There's nothing better than homemade bread, fresh out of the oven. It's perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack time, or any other time! But one of our favorite things about it? It's one of the best ways to stretch a meal and fill hungry bellies!
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WHAT IS RUSTIC BREAD?
Rustic bread is defined by its simple ingredients and irregular shape. Since it doesn't require a loaf pan or a well-fed sourdough starter, even non-bakers can make delicious bread every time! We love that you don't need any fancy gadgets for it, although a stand mixer does make it easier.
With a perfectly crispy crust and a soft center, rustic bread goes well with anything.
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TIPS FOR MAKING THE EASIEST CRUSTY RUSTIC BREAD
We could make this every week and never get tired of it. Shoot, we could make it every day and never get tired of it! You won't be disappointed, we promise. Plus, it's a great shelf-cooking recipe because all of these ingredients are kitchen staples!
Here are some tips for preventing a heavy, or overly doughy, loaf:
- Weigh out your flour using a food scale. This will keep you from using too much or too little. If you don't have a food scale, fluff the flour and use a spoon to add flour to the measuring cup versus scooping it out in the measuring cup.
- Start by using two cups of water and slowly add in the third until your batter is the correct consistency.
- Dough should be slightly sticky to the touch, but not so that much comes off on your hands. If it’s too sticky to handle, add ¼ cup more flour at a time.
- You can bake your bread in a Dutch oven if needed. It should take about 50 minutes to an hour to bake completely.
- You can also bake your bread in loaf pans, but the outside won’t get crispy. The normal cooking time should be enough.
- If your crust is getting too brown, you can tent foil over it so the outside won’t keep cooking.
- Use a thermometer to check the inside. It should read at least 190°F before you take it out of the oven.
- Tap the bottom of the loaf to check for doneness. If it sounds hollow, it's perfect.
- If the bread is hard, lower the oven temperature by 25°F and cook for 5-10 minutes longer.
- Don't cut the bread for at least an hour, as the crust is still forming. This will keep it from deflating!
We've made this so. many. times. and it has turned out so delicious every time.
STORING RUSTIC BREAD
If you manage to have any bread left over (and that's a big if!), store the sliced bread in an airtight bread bag or zipper bag at room temperature. Store full loaves in a brown paper bag to keep the crust from going soft. Place half loaves open side face-down on a cutting board.
Rustic bread usually only lasts for a few days before it starts going stale. At that point, you can repurpose it for something else, if that's your thang. (Those ideas are comin' atcha below!)
Rustic bread also freezes really well! Wrap your whole loaf in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to help prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to thaw, just leave it wrapped up on the counter for a few hours and it'll be good as new. You can also freeze slices of bread, so don't be afraid to throw those in a freezer baggie if you have any leftover as well! They're handy when you need a slice or two of bread versus the whole loaf.
WAYS TO USE YOUR NEW FAVORITE CRUSTY BREAD
Here are our favorite ways to eat this rustic bread, both fresh and when it's starting to go stale. Don't even think about wasting it because it's too delicious for that!
- Alongside Soup – You can never ever ever go wrong with soup and bread!
- With Pasta – The same goes for pasta dishes! The bread tastes so good sopping that sauce up.
- Fancy Grilled Cheese – Take your grilled cheese to the next level with this delicious bread versus plain ‘ol white bread.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread – Talk about elevating a recipe! Rustic bread is the perfect way to make this delicious snack/meal/appetizer/just because.
- French Toast – Don't sweat it if your bread is starting to go stale! Our French toast recipe is the perfect way to revive it.
- Cinnamon Toast – Bread + butter + cinnamon sugar topping = Heaven. Seriously, all it takes is popping it in the oven for 5-10 minutes until everything gets warm and gooey and you'll be on your way to paradise!
- Make into Croutons – Cut stale bread into uniform chunks and toss with olive oil or butter and seasonings (garlic powder is a must!). Bake in the oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes or until golden brown, stirring once.
- Turn into Bread Crumbs – It's so easy to make your own bread crumbs!
Pro Tip: Plan your meals around when you're making your bread. This will help you use it up before it goes stale! You'll know when to make it fresh to accompany your favorite meals, then turn it into something else before it goes bad.
HOW TO MAKE RUSTIC BREAD
Alright, it's the moment you've been waiting for! This is my most viral recipe, and it hasn't failed me yet, so go ahead and save this in a safe spot.
Rustic Bread Recipe
A warm, crusty rustic bread goes with just about any meal and it's so simple to make! Throw it together, let it rise, and you'll have a yummy bread that's ready for dinner in just a few hours' time. No bread pan needed!
4.39 from 71 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 2 hours hrs
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 2 loaves
Ingredients
- 3 cups warm water
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 pkg) active dry yeast
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 6 cups (750 g) flour
- 3 tsp salt
Instructions
Mix water, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer. Let sit for about 10 minutes until bubbly.
Add flour and salt. Mix until combined into a soft dough. (The dough should be slightly sticky to the touch, but not so that much comes off on your hands. If it’s too sticky to handle, add ¼ cup flour at a time.)
Cover loosely with plastic wrap and kitchen towel. Let rise for 1-3 hours, if possible! I’ve run out of time before and let it rise for only 30-60 mins and it still works, but the longer, the better!
Preheat oven to 450°F and put a pizza stone or flipped-over cookie sheet in the oven to heat up.
Fill a baking dish with 2 inches of water and place on the bottom rack to create steam for an extra crispy crust.
Sprinkle flour on the counter, turn out the dough, fold on itself, divide in half and form it into 2 balls. Don’t knead or handle it more than you need to. Add a little flour if it’s too sticky.
Cut an X shape on the top of the balls with a sharp knife.
Place on a lightly floured pan, then place on top of the hot pizza stone or cookie sheet.
Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
*You can bake it right on the hot cookie sheet and it’ll be just fine. Just be careful handling the hot pan while putting your dough on it and in the oven!
Keyword crusty, easy, no-knead
Sounds good, right? It's such an easy recipe, and the bread comes out perfect every time!
Well, there you have it! Give it a try and let us know how you like it! And don't be surprised if your friends and family start begging you for the recipe or a fresh-baked loaf.
Looking for more shelf cooking inspiration?
- We can't get enough of these mini German pancakes!
- Tired of the same old baked chicken every week? Try out these different recipes to help keep things fresh!
- Love your leftovers by repurposing them into something new!
Happy baking!
