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Simple Rustic Bread Recipe Without Preheating Oven Easy Homemade Guide

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A straightforward rustic bread recipe that requires no oven preheating, delivering a golden crust and tender crumb with minimal fuss and simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (355 ml) warm water (about 100°F / 38°C)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 2 teaspoons salt (fine sea salt recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups (355 ml) of warm water with 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons salt to the yeast mixture. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil if using. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough scraper until a rough, sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead lightly: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 5 minutes until slightly sticky and elastic. Add minimal flour if too sticky.
  4. First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place back in bowl, cover with kitchen towel, and let rise 1 to 1 ½ hours at room temperature until doubled in size.
  5. Shape and rest: Punch down dough, shape into rustic round or oval loaf, place on parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with towel, and rest for 30 minutes.
  6. Bake without preheating: Place baking sheet in cold oven on middle rack, turn oven on to 425°F (220°C), and bake for 40-45 minutes.
  7. Check doneness: Bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on bottom. If pale, bake an additional 5-10 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Use warm water around 100°F (38°C) to activate yeast properly. Avoid over-kneading to keep bread tender. Let bread cool completely before slicing to prevent gummy crumb. Oven placement on middle rack ensures even baking. Use a kitchen timer to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: rustic bread, no preheat bread, easy homemade bread, simple bread recipe, quick bread baking, artisan style bread

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