Mom's Easiest Peasant Bread
A simple and heartwarming recipe for bread that delivers a crispy crust and soft, fluffy interior, perfect for any family gathering.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 4 cups 4 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free flour
- 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast Ensure yeast is fresh
- 1.5 to 2 cups 1 ½ to 2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Allow the mixture to stand for about 5-10 minutes until it is frothy.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the frothy yeast mixture.
- Gradually mix the flour into the water until it forms a sticky dough.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
Shaping and Baking
- Gently punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it into a greased loaf pan or shape it into a round and place on a baking sheet.
- Cover and let your loaf rise again for about 30-45 minutes, until puffy.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Let the loaf cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a warm oven for about 10 minutes.