1 DOUGH 3 LOAVES | The Easiest (Actually Good) Bread You Can Make

How to Make Rustic Bread in 3 Ways

Materials Needed:

• All-purpose flour
• Whole wheat flour
• Yeast
• Salt
• Water
• Dutch oven (optional)
• Proofing basket (optional)
• Bread lame or scissors

Method 1: Simple Rustic Bread

1. Prepare the Pre-ferment (Poolish)

   • Mix 150g room temperature water, a small pinch of yeast, and 150g all-purpose flour in a container.
   • Let it sit on the counter for 4 to 24 hours to develop flavor.

2. Mix the Dough

   • Measure 280g warm water, 2g yeast, all of the poolish, 250g all-purpose flour, 50g whole wheat flour, and 10g salt.
   • Combine the ingredients using a spoon until well mixed.

3. Folding Process

   • Fold the dough by squeezing, rotating, and repeating the process for about 60 to 90 seconds.
   • Perform a series of folds every 30 minutes for 2 hours during bulk fermentation.

4. Baking

   • Preheat the oven to 525°F.
   • Shape the dough into loaves and bake for 20-25 minutes until well browned and crusty.

Method 2: Dutch Oven Rustic Bread

1. Proofing

   • Let the dough proof on a sheet tray for 30 to 40 minutes.

2. Baking

   • Preheat a Dutch oven in a 525°F oven.
   • Slash the dough with a bread lame, then bake covered at 500°F for 12 minutes and uncovered at 485°F for 12-15 minutes.

Method 3: Artisan Rustic Bread

1. Shaping

   • Shape the dough into a round ball by stretching, tucking, and folding.

2. Proofing

   • Proof the dough in a lined proofing basket for 30 to 50 minutes.

3. Baking

   • Bake in a preheated oven at 485°F for about 40 minutes until dark and crusty.
   • Listen for a "singing" sound when the bread is done baking.

Final Thoughts

• Enjoy your freshly baked rustic bread with various toppings or dips.
• Experiment with different shaping techniques for unique results.
• Share your delicious bread with friends and family to spread the joy of homemade baking.

By following these steps, you can create three variations of rustic bread with varying levels of complexity and flavor profiles. Enjoy the process of bread-making and savor the delightful results!