Whether you are new to baking bread or a pro, you will love this simple peasant bread recipe. This homemade bread takes time, but is a really easy peasant bread to make at home. Let’s get started!
Peasant Bread Recipe
Calling all bread lovers! Whether you’re just starting your baking journey or you’re already a seasoned pro, you’re going to adore this easy peasant bread recipe!
All you need are 4 ingredient bread – that’s it. This bread is a budget saver for sure! Okay, it takes a little time to rise, but trust us, the delicious aroma and warmth of homemade bread will make every moment worth it!
Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive in and get baking!
Looking for more yummy bread recipes? Try our angel rolls (aka homemade crescent rolls), quick yeast rolls, and bread machine english muffins.
What is peasant bread?
Peasant bread, also known as country bread, is a rustic loaf that has been traditionally made by the common people or “peasants” throughout Europe, particularly in France and Italy. The beauty of this bread lies in its simplicity. Made with basic ingredients like flour, water, salt, and yeast, it is often crafted by hand, with little more than the effort and skill of the baker to produce its delightful texture and flavor.
One of the defining features of peasant bread is its crusty exterior, which is typically produced by baking the loaves at a high temperature. Inside, you’ll find a soft, chewy crumb that’s full of lovely air pockets, making it perfect for tearing apart and sharing with friends and family. This bread can come in various shapes and sizes, from round loaves to longer, baguette-like forms, and it can even incorporate different flours or seeds, adding to its rustic charm.
What’s really special about peasant bread is that it embodies a sense of community and tradition. It’s often made using methods passed down through generations, with families gathering to bake, share stories, and enjoy the fruits of their labor together. Whether enjoyed with a simple spread of butter, paired with a hearty stew, or transformed into delicious toast, peasant bread is a versatile companion at any meal.
easy peasant bread
By very deffinition, peasant bread has few ingredients. All you need is:
- bread flour
- water
- salt
- dry yeast
easy peasant bread recipe
Start by dissolving yeast in 2 1/2 cups of warm water and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
What is proofing the yeast mean?
Proofing yeast is an essential step in baking that helps ensure your dough rises beautifully! When we “proof” yeast, we’re essentially waking it up and making sure it’s active and ready to work its magic. There are two main types of yeast used in baking: active dry yeast and instant yeast. Here’s how it works:
- The Process: To proof yeast, you combine it with warm water (typically around 110°F) and a little sugar. The sugar acts as food for the yeast, kickstarting the fermentation process. After a few minutes, you should see bubbles forming and the mixture foaming up. This is a sign that the yeast is alive and active!
- Why It’s Important: Proofing is crucial because it guarantees that your yeast is still viable. If it doesn’t foam up, it’s best to toss it out and start with fresh yeast. Using inactive yeast can lead to flat, dense baked goods – and nobody wants that!
- Timing Matters: Generally, you’ll want to allow about 5-10 minutes for proofing, but patience can be your best friend in the kitchen! Once proofed, you can mix it into your dough, and watch as it works wonders by producing carbon dioxide, which causes your dough to rise!
homemade peasant bread
Add salt to 2 tsp. water and let dissolve. Now add 4 cups bread flour to yeast water. Knead for 4 min.
Place in greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, let sit 2 hours in a warm place.
4 ingredient bread
Knead your dough for 2 minutes, then return it to a bowl. Cover it up and let it rise for 1.5 hours.
Remove from bowl and divide into four sections.
easy bread recipes
Gently knead each section until they’re smooth and round. Then, place them on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for 1 hour.
Bake at 450°F for 25-30 minutes until it’s beautifully golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Best Peasant Bread Recipe
Not only is the bread picture-perfect, but it smells heavenly!
Super easy bread recipe
Slice the bread with a bread knife and you have delicious homemade bread perfect for eating fresh, dipping in soup, making a sandwich, and more!
We usually can’t wait to dig in so we simply have ours with some butter! It is SO good!
Yummy Peasant Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 1/2 cups lukewarm water about 110 F
- 2 teaspoons lukewarm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 packages active dry yeast 5 teaspoons
Instructions
- Start by dissolving yeast in 2 1/2 cups of warm water and let it sit for about 10 minutes
- Add salt to 2 tsp. water and let dissolve. Now add 4 cups bread flour to yeast water. Knead for 4 min
- Place in greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, let sit 2 hours in a warm place
- Knead your dough for 2 minutes, then return it to a bowl. Cover it up and let it rise for 1.5 hours
- Remove from bowl and divide into four sections. Gently knead each section until they’re smooth and round. Then, place them on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for 1 hour.
- Bake at 450°F for 25-30 minutes until it’s beautifully golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Allow to coolat least 5 minutes before cutting with bread knife.
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Try this simple and delicious homemade peasant bread recipe that’s easy for both beginners and pros alike, and get ready to bake!
This has been my go to simple bread recipe since you published it years ago, I love the updated pictures! Just wanted to tell you.
I make my loaf into one big one instead of the 4 little. It’s delicious
Love easy recipes. I can smell this baking all afternoon!