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Traditional German Rustic Bread Loaf Recipe

Traditional German Rustic Bread Loaf Recipe


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4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Hearty german rustic bread loaf brings warmth from rural kitchens, connecting generations with its dense, crusty texture. Homemade comfort awaits you through simple ingredients and classic baking techniques that celebrate authentic German culinary heritage.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 500 grams (17.6 ounces) all-purpose flour
  • 300 milliliters (10.1 fluid ounces) warm water
  • 50 milliliters (1.7 fluid ounces) vegetable oil

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 packet (7 grams / 0.25 ounces) dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions

  1. Activate the oven to 200°C (390°F) for optimal baking temperature.
  2. Blend dry ingredients – flour, yeast, salt, and sugar – in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring uniform distribution.
  3. Introduce warm water and oil into the dry mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
  4. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for 5-7 minutes, developing gluten and creating a smooth, elastic texture.
  5. Mold the dough into a rustic loaf shape, positioning it centrally on a prepared baking sheet.
  6. Drape a clean kitchen towel over the dough, allowing it to rest and expand in a warm environment for 30 minutes.
  7. Using a sharp blade, create strategic diagonal cuts across the loaf’s surface to facilitate controlled rising during baking.
  8. Transfer the prepared loaf into the preheated oven, baking for 30-35 minutes until a rich golden hue develops and the bread produces a hollow sound when gently tapped.
  9. Remove from oven and permit the loaf to cool briefly before slicing, allowing internal moisture to stabilize and enhance texture.

Notes

  • Embrace a dusting of extra flour when kneading to prevent sticking and create a smoother texture.
  • For a crispier crust, place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack while baking to generate steam.
  • Consider adding seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for extra nutrition and a delightful crunch.
  • Gluten-free bakers can substitute wheat flour with a blend of rice and almond flour for a similar rustic texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 64 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg