Rustic Boule

Experience the joy of artisanal baking with this *Rustic Boule* recipe, a timeless classic perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers. Made from simple pantry staples like bread flour, water, salt, and yeast, this crusty round loaf boasts a beautifully golden, crunchy crust and a soft, airy interior. The recipe features a patient rise to develop deep flavors, while the option to bake on a preheated stone or in a Dutch oven ensures a bakery-style finish. A light dusting of cornmeal or semolina prevents sticking and adds texture, making each bite irresistibly rustic. Ideal as a companion to soups, salads, or simply smeared with butter, this boule is a must-try for anyone seeking to master homemade bread with artisan flair. Keywords: rustic boule recipe, crusty artisan bread, homemade bread, easy bread recipe, Dutch oven bread.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:240 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:275 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 500 grams Bread Flour
• 350 milliliters Water
• 10 grams Salt
• 7 grams Active Dry Yeast
• 2 tablespoons Cornmeal or Semolina

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and active dry yeast.

Step 2

Slowly add the water to the dry ingredients, stirring with your hand or a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.

Step 3

Turn the dough out onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for about 2 hours or until it doubles in size.

Step 5

Punch the dough down gently to release the air. Shape it into a round boule (ball) by pulling the edges of the dough under to create surface tension.

Step 6

Dust a clean surface with a little cornmeal or semolina and place the shaped dough on top. Alternatively, place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7

Cover the boule loosely with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and allow it to rise again for 1-1.5 hours until it puffs up slightly.

Step 8

Preheat your oven to 230°C (445°F). Place a Dutch oven or baking stone inside to preheat as well for a better crust.

Step 9

When ready to bake, carefully transfer the boule to the preheated Dutch oven or onto the baking stone. Use a sharp knife or bread lame to slash the top of the dough with a few shallow cuts for decoration and to allow it to expand in the oven.

Step 10

Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If using a Dutch oven, you can remove the lid after 20 minutes of baking to allow the crust to develop further.

Step 11

Let the boule cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	878 grams (878.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1900

Total Fat 8.10g	10%
Saturated Fat 1.50g	8%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 26mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate 395.40g	144%
Dietary Fiber 15.50g	55%
Total Sugars 1.60g
Protein 63.90g	128%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 99mg	8%
Iron 23mg	126%
Potassium 664mg	14%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 3.8%

Protein: 13.4%

Carbs: 82.8%