Description
This Traditional German Rustic Bread Loaf Recipe is your gateway to baking hearty, artisan-style bread right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Preferment (Poolish):
150g (1 cup) all-purpose or bread flour
150ml (⅔ cup) lukewarm water
⅛ tsp instant yeast
For the Final Dough:
All of the preferment
350g (2¾ cups) bread flour
150ml (⅔ cup) lukewarm water
2 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp caraway or fennel seeds (optional, for flavor)
Instructions
Mix the flour, water, and yeast for the preferment in a bowl. Cover and let it sit at room temperature for 10–12 hours (or overnight). This builds flavor and strength.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the preferment, bread flour, salt, sugar, and lukewarm water. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead by hand or with a mixer using a dough hook for 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently shape it into a round or oval rustic loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or into a proofing basket.
Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Just before baking, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife or bread lame.
Place the loaf in the oven. Optionally, add a small tray of water to the oven to create steam for a crisp crust. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until deep golden brown. Let it cool fully on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
This rustic German bread is best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s baked, but it keeps beautifully for a few days at room temperature. The preferment technique gives it a slightly tangy flavor and chewy texture without the complexity of sourdough. Make sure to give the bread time to cool completely before slicing for the best structure and crumb.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large loaf
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
Keywords: Rustic Bread Loaf