Easy Homemade Rustic Bread

4.75 from 4 votes

This Easy Homemade Rustic Bread is all about simplicity, just a few ingredients and some hands-off time for a warm, crusty loaf.

Prep Time5

Total Proof time1 30

Total Time1 35

Course: Bread

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bread recipes, easy bread recipe

Servings: slices

Calories: 119kcal

Author: Callie

If using active dry yeast, combine warm water and yeast in a large bowl with a pinch or two of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
If using instant yeast, skip the waiting step and add it directly to the wet ingredients.
Stir in honey and 1 cup flour until smooth.
Mix in salt, then gradually add the remaining 2 cups flour. Stir with wooden spoon then switch to kneading with your hands when the dough becomes too thick to stir. If using a KitchenAid mixer, gradually add the flour while mixing on low speed with the dough hook.
First Proof: Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 500°F, place a Dutch oven (with its lid) inside to heat for 45 minutes.
Second Proof: Shape the dough into a ball. Place it seam-side up in a floured proofing basket or on parchment paper under an upside-down bowl. Cover and let it rise for 1 more hour.
Lightly flour the dough and score the top with a knife or razor blade. Carefully transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven.
Reduce the oven to 450°F (reduced from 500°F) and bake for 15 minutes with the lid on.
Remove the lid and bake for another 5–10 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown. Baking time may vary, so go by color rather than time.
Cool the bread on a wire rack for 15–20 minutes before slicing with a serrated knife.
Enjoy your easy homemade rustic bread!