55 minutes
A simple and quick recipe for a rustic loaf of bread that requires minimal hands-on time and no special equipment.
cups
Instant Yeast
packets
teaspoons
Oil, for surface
tablespoons
1. Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant yeast, and salt. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of lukewarm water (approximately 70 degrees) and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm spot for about 4 hours.
2. Shape Dough
Once the dough has rested, drizzle a bit of oil on your work surface. Gently transfer the dough onto the surface, folding it over itself once or twice. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap and let it sit for an additional 30 minutes.
3. Preheat Pot
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a covered 6-to-8-quart heavy pot, such as cast iron or ceramic, in the oven to heat for at least 30 minutes before baking.
4. Bake Bread
Wearing oven mitts, carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Uncover the dough and with a gentle hand, place it into the pot, seam side up. Give the pot a gentle shake to even out the dough if needed. Cover the pot and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and continue to bake for 15 to 30 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
5. Cool Loaf
After baking, transfer the bread to a cooling rack. Wait until it's completely cool before slicing to enjoy the full texture and flavor.
Roast a head of garlic until the cloves are soft and sweet. Mix the mashed cloves into your dough for a mellow, aromatic flavor that permeates the bread.
By substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, you can create a bread with a nuttier flavor and denser texture. You might also need to adjust the hydration level slightly since whole wheat flour absorbs more water.
Add grated hard cheese such as Parmesan, Asiago, or aged cheddar into the dough. About 1/2 cup should suffice. The cheese will melt during baking, creating pockets of savory goodness.
Incorporate chopped Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes into the dough for a Mediterranean twist. Drain them well to prevent excess moisture from altering the dough's consistency.
Add chopped olives and fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for a Mediterranean twist. This variant is excellent for pairing with cheese or as a base for bruschetta.
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