Simple Rustic Bread with Walnuts

Discover the heartwarming simplicity of homemade artisan bread with this Simple Rustic Bread with Walnuts recipe. This easy-to-follow recipe combines the crisp, golden crust of a classic rustic loaf with the nutty depth of chopped walnuts for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Using just a handful of pantry staples—flour, yeast, olive oil, and salt—this bread comes together beautifully in just over two hours, including rise and bake time. The addition of walnuts offers a delightful crunch and a rich, earthy flavor, setting this loaf apart as an ideal accompaniment to soups, cheeses, or a drizzle of honey. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this no-fuss method uses simple techniques like hand-kneading and baking in a preheated oven or Dutch oven to achieve that irresistibly crusty exterior and soft, chewy interior. Whether you're looking for a rustic table centerpiece or a wholesome snack, this walnut-studded bread is sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:120 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:155 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 500 grams All-purpose flour
• 10 grams Salt
• 7 grams Active dry yeast
• 350 ml Warm water
• 100 grams Walnuts
• 15 ml Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix the warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and frothy.

Step 3

Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough begins to form.

Step 4

On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Incorporate the chopped walnuts by gently folding them into the dough until evenly distributed.

Step 6

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a baking sheet or a Dutch oven inside to heat.

Step 8

Once risen, punch down the dough lightly, reshape it into a ball, and transfer it onto a piece of parchment paper.

Step 9

Let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes while the oven continues to preheat.

Step 10

Carefully transfer the dough (using the parchment paper) onto the preheated baking sheet or into the Dutch oven. Cover with a lid if using a Dutch oven.

Step 11

Bake for 30-35 minutes. If using a Dutch oven, remove the lid during the last 10 minutes to allow the crust to brown.

Step 12

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(986.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2622.8

Total Fat 84.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 48.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3947.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 398.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.7g	0%
Total Sugars 3.7g
Protein 69.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 168.1mg	0%
Iron 26.5mg	0%
Potassium 1118.1mg	0%

*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: 28.9%

Protein: 10.6%

Carbs: 60.5%