My Mother’s Peasant Bread: The Easiest, Most Delicious Bread You’ll Ever Make

How to Make Peasant Bread (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Mix the Dough
🫙 In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
💦 Add the lukewarm water and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
🚫 No kneading needed! Just mix until all the flour is absorbed.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
🫙 Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

📌 Pro Tip: If your kitchen is cold, place the bowl in the oven with the light on or near a warm window to help it rise faster.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Bowls
🧈 Generously butter two oven-safe bowls or small loaf pans.
🔪 Use a spatula to divide the dough into the greased bowls.

Step 4: Second Rise
⏳ Let the dough rise again for about 30–40 minutes, until it looks puffy and airy.

Step 5: Bake the Bread
🔥 Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
⏳ Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.

📌 How to Check If It’s Done: Tap the bottom of the bread—if it sounds hollow, it’s ready!

Step 6: Cool & Enjoy
⏳ Let the bread cool in the bowls for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack.
🍽️ Slice and serve warm with butter, jam, or honey!

How to Serve Peasant Bread
🍲 With Soups & Stews – Perfect for dipping into hearty soups like tomato or minestrone!
🍳 As Breakfast Toast – Slather with butter, jam, or avocado.
🧄 Make Garlic Bread – Toast with butter, garlic, and herbs.
🥪 For Sandwiches – A rustic, homemade alternative to store-bought bread!

Storage & Freezing Tips
✔ Store at Room Temp – Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Freeze for Later – Wrap in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
✔ Reheat Like Fresh – Warm slices in the toaster or oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
⭐ Zero kneading, zero hassle—just mix, rise, and bake!
⭐ Soft, fluffy bread with a crisp golden crust.
⭐ The perfect beginner-friendly bread recipe.
⭐ Tastes like something from an artisan bakery!