🍞🌿 Mediterranean Rustic Bread
✨ Description
This classic Mediterranean bread is simple yet incredibly satisfying—made with basic ingredients, slow-risen for flavor, and baked to perfection. It has a light, fluffy interior and a crispy golden crust, perfect for dipping in olive oil, serving with soups, or making sandwiches.
🛒 Ingredients
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp sugar
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast
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1 to 1¼ cups warm water
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Activate the Dough
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In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast
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Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy
2. Make the Dough
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Add flour, salt, and olive oil
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Mix until a soft dough forms
3. Knead
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Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic
(or use a stand mixer for 5–6 minutes)
4. First Rise
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Place dough in an oiled bowl
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Cover and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled
5. Shape
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Divide dough into 2–3 portions
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Shape into long rustic loaves
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Place on a lined baking tray
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Lightly dust with flour and score the tops
6. Second Rise
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Cover and rest for 20–30 minutes
7. Bake
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Preheat oven to 220°C (430°F)
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Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown
👉 Optional: Place a small bowl of water in the oven for steam (extra crispy crust)
8. Cool
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Let cool before slicing (important for texture!)
✨ Texture & Taste
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Crust: crispy and golden
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Inside: soft, airy, slightly chewy
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Flavor: mild, perfect with savory or sweet
🔥 Pro Tips
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Don’t skip the second rise—it improves texture
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Steam in the oven = bakery-style crust
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Use bread flour for even better chewiness
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Brush with olive oil for a softer crust
🥗 Serving Ideas
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With olive oil & herbs 🫒
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Alongside soups or stews
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As sandwich bread
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With hummus or dips
❓ Q & A
Q: Why didn’t my bread rise?
A: Yeast may be inactive or water too hot/cold—use warm (not hot) water.
Q: Can I make it without kneading?
A: Yes—use a no-knead method and let it rise longer (6–8 hours).
Q: How do I store it?
A: Keep at room temperature for 1–2 days or freeze for later.
Q: Can I make it whole wheat?
A: Yes—replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.
