Rustic German Bread Recipe

Introduction

Rustic German Bread is a hearty, crusty loaf with a tender crumb, perfect for sandwiches or breakfast. This traditional recipe is straightforward and rewarding, delivering authentic flavors with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 350 ml water (room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 8 grams dry yeast
• 25 ml sunflower oil
• 500 grams flour (plus extra for dusting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, pour 350 ml of water, add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 8 grams of dry yeast. Stir until dissolved, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Step 2: Add 25 ml of sunflower oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually sift in 500 grams of flour, stirring to combine.
3. Step 3: Mix until a sticky dough forms. Cover and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: Stir the dough to release air, cover, and let rest for another 30 minutes to develop gluten.
5. Step 5: Lightly flour a surface, roll dough into a rectangle, fold, and let rest for 10 minutes. Shape into a loaf, boule, or rolls.
6. Step 6: Place dough on a lined baking tray. Make decorative slashes with a knife. Preheat oven to 230°C (446°F) and bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven, cool on a wire rack, and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of caraway seeds or mix in some whole wheat flour to the dough.
• Use a baking stone or Dutch oven for a crisper crust.
• If you prefer a softer loaf, brush the crust with butter right after baking.

Storage

Store the bread in a paper bag or bread box at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight bag. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven before serving for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast. Just dissolve it in warm water with sugar and let it activate for about 10 minutes until frothy before mixing with the other ingredients.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The crust should be a deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer—the internal temperature should reach about 90°C (195°F).

Rustic German Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 140 reviews

This Rustic German Bread recipe yields a warm, crusty loaf with a soft, airy interior. Made with simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, sugar, and sunflower oil, this homemade bread is perfect for any meal or sandwich and brings authentic German bakery flavors right to your kitchen.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 350 ml water (room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 25 ml sunflower oil

Dry Ingredients

• 8 grams dry yeast
• 500 grams flour (plus extra for dusting)

Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: In a large bowl, pour 350 ml of room temperature water, add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 8 grams of dry yeast. Stir gently until dissolved and cover the bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Add Oil and Flour: Add 25 ml of sunflower oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually sift in 500 grams of flour while stirring continuously to combine all ingredients into a sticky dough.
3. First Rise: Mix the dough thoroughly until it forms a sticky consistency. Cover the bowl and place it in a warm area, allowing the dough to rise for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
4. Second Mixing: Once risen, gently stir the dough to release trapped air. Cover again and let the dough rest for an additional 30 minutes to help develop gluten for better texture.
5. Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into a rectangle. Fold the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes. Shape the dough into your desired form such as a loaf, boule, or rolls.
6. Final Shaping and Baking: Place the shaped dough onto a lined baking tray. Use a sharp knife to make decorative slashes on the surface. Preheat the oven to 230°C (446°F) and bake the bread for 30-40 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with your favorite toppings.

Notes

• Ensure the water is at room temperature, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• For a crispier crust, place a small tray of water in the oven during baking to create steam.
• Extra flour may be needed when shaping to prevent sticking.
• If you prefer, you can add seeds or herbs to the dough for added flavor.
• Allow the bread to cool completely for the best texture when slicing.

Keywords: Rustic German Bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, yeast bread, crusty bread