By Don Nicholas
A rustic loaf of country bread is the perfect companion to a steaming bowl of soup. With its crisp crust and soft, airy interior, this homemade bread is simple yet deeply satisfying. Whether slathered with butter or dipped into broth, it’s a comforting staple that completes any communal meal.
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Hearty Country Bread
This rustic homemade bread is the perfect companion to soups and stews. With a crisp golden crust and a soft, chewy interior, it pairs beautifully with butter or a warm bowl of Stone Soup. Simple ingredients come together to create a wholesome, satisfying loaf that’s easy to make and perfect for any gathering.
- Author: Don Nicholas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Bakery
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a rustic round loaf.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing.
- Spread the slices liberally with fresh butter and serve alongside the Stone Soup for a delightful and heartwarming meal.