No-Fuss Rustic Bread

 

I love any kind of no-fuss bread recipe especially when it turns out as beautiful as the loaf above! I was so impressed by this recipe and you don't even have to use a dutch oven, which is a game changer. This will definitely be made over and over again at our house.

I mean look at that perfect crispy exterior and the soft inside. You've got to try this out!

No-Fuss Rustic Bread

Adapted from Shelf Cooking

Makes 1 loaf of bread

1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110 degrees F)

1 1/8 tsp. active dry yeast

1/2 Tbsp. sugar

3 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1. Slightly stir yeast, sugar and water in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer. Let sit for about 10 minutes until bubbly.

2. Add flour and salt. Mix until combined into a soft dough. (The dough is sticky, but add more flour, 2 Tbsp. at a time, if needed.)

3. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let rise for 3 hours in a warm spot.

4. Fill a baking dish with 2 inches of water and place on the bottom rack of your oven to create steam for an extra crispy crust.

5. Preheat oven to 450°F and place a pizza stone or flipped-over greased cookie sheet in the oven for 5-10 minutes to heat up.

6. Sprinkle flour on a cutting board, turn out the risen dough and knead a few times into a loaf until smooth and firm. Add a little flour if it’s too sticky.

7. Cut an X shape on the top of the dough with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors.

8. Carefully place on top of the hot pizza stone or cookie sheet in the oven.

9. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.