VegetarianBudget Friendly

Rustic Italian Bread

by Glyn Dexter-18 April 2026Easy

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time30 min

Total Time45 min

Servings1

I never thought I could make my own Rustic Italian bread until I inherited this recipe. It’s simple. You just need the ingredients, fork and a bowl. No fancy bread machine, or electric mixer. Just your hands.

Imported RecipeOriginally from: www.forthefeast.com

Method

0
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
1
In a bowl, add 1 cup of warm water and dry active yeast and let it stand until creamy (about 5 minutes).
2
In another bowl add flour, salt, and sugar. After 8 minutes take the yeast and give it a mix then add it to the flour mixture, mixing it in with a fork until sticky, add the additional cup of water a little at a time and continue to form it into a ball.
3
Sprinkle with a bit more flour and work it with your hands to make a ball.
4
Take the dough and gently mold it into a smooth but firm ball with an elastic feel.
5
Put the dough back into the bowl and cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise. This could take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
6
Once it rises take a little more flour, pat it down and roll it into a ball again.
7
Put the dough back into the bowl and let it rise 1 more time (optional).
8
After you are done with all the rising, take the dough and put it on the parchment paper that is on a baking tray.
9
Take about 1 tablespoon of olive oil and coat the dough with it.
10
After you rub it down with olive oil you can sprinkle a bit of sea salt or sesame seeds on top.
11
Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife at a 45 degree angle.
12
Bake 30 minutes, until you hear a hollow sound when you tap the bottom.
13
Allow the bread to cool slightly before serving, and enjoy!