Easy Bread Loaf

Bread can feel intimidating, but this is my quick and simple version. With just a handful of ingredients and a little time, you can make a delicious loaf using yeast.

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 35 mins

Rest Time 2 hrs

Total Time 2 hrs 40 mins

Courses: Appetizers, Breakfast

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cooking Temp: 250 C

Description

This rustic yeast bread is my go-to when I have a little time at home. It’s simple, with no need for fancy equipment or hours of kneading—just a few stretch-and-folds, some resting, and you’ll end up with the most amazing crumb.

Ingredients

400 g bread flour
100 g wholemeal flour (optional – can use all bread flour)
10 g salt
380 g warm water
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp yeast (5–7g)

Instructions

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1. Mix dry ingredients:
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In a large bowl, combine flours and salt.
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2. Activate yeast:
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Make a well in the center. Add warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
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3. Combine:
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Mix to form a wet, shaggy dough. Don’t worry—it’s meant to be sticky.
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4. Rest:
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Cover with a damp tea towel and rest for 15 minutes.
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5. Stretch & fold:
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Do your first stretch and fold. Rest again for 15 minutes. Repeat 2–3 times by using coil fold method (like in a video) Dough should feel stronger.
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6. Shape:
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Turn dough out, gently stretch into a rectangle, fold like a letter, then fold into a tight loaf.
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7. Prepare basket:
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Line a basket with a floured tea towel. Place loaf seam-side up and pinch top to create surface tension.
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8. Proof:
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Cover and proof at room temp for 30 minutes or until nearly doubled.
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9. Preheat oven:
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Heat oven to 250°C with a cast iron pot inside.
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10. Bake:
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Add dough to hot pot, score the top, and bake covered for 25 minutes. Then uncover, reduce temp to 220°C, and bake another 10–15 minutes.
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11. Cool:
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Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Keywords: bread,

Read it online: https://snezanacooks.com/recipe/bread-loaf/

Snezana

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Snezana, a food blogger and recipe developer. I live in Australia with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.