Here’s a list of ingredients for **Instant Pot Rustic Country Bread**, formatted with SEO-friendly keywords to help you rank better in search results:
- **3 cups bread flour** (high-protein flour for a chewy texture)
- **1 ½ cups whole wheat flour** (adds rustic flavor and texture)
- **1 ½ teaspoons salt** (enhances flavor and controls yeast activity)
- **1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast** (quick-rise yeast for faster baking)
- **1 ½ cups warm water** (activates the yeast and hydrates the dough)
- **1 tablespoon honey or sugar** (optional, for a touch of sweetness and to feed the yeast)
- **1 tablespoon olive oil** (optional, for a softer crumb and added richness)
- **Cornmeal or flour for dusting** (prevents sticking and adds a rustic finish)
**Optional Add-Ins for Flavor Variations**:
- **1 cup chopped nuts** (e.g., walnuts or pecans for crunch)
- **½ cup dried fruits** (e.g., raisins or cranberries for sweetness)
- **1 tablespoon herbs** (e.g., rosemary or thyme for a savory twist)
This **Instant Pot Rustic Country Bread recipe** is perfect for beginners and yields a crusty, artisan-style loaf with minimal effort. Use these **bread-making ingredients** to create a delicious, homemade bread that’s great for sandwiches, toast, or dipping in soups!
Steps
# How to Make Instant Pot Rustic Country Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you're looking for an easy, no-fuss way to bake **rustic country bread** at home, your **Instant Pot** is the perfect tool! This recipe yields a crusty, artisanal loaf with minimal effort. Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious, homemade bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or dipping in soup.
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## **Ingredients for Instant Pot Rustic Country Bread**
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier texture)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (about 100°F/38°C)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for added richness)
- Cornmeal or parchment paper (for lining)
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Mix the Dough**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the **flour**, **salt**, and **instant yeast**.
- Gradually add the **warm water** while stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- If desired, drizzle in **olive oil** for added flavor and moisture.
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### **2. Knead the Dough**
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
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### **3. First Rise (Proofing)**
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for **1-2 hours** or until doubled in size.
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### **4. Shape the Dough**
- After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles.
- Shape it into a round or oval loaf, depending on your preference.
- Place the shaped dough on a piece of parchment paper or a cornmeal-dusted surface.
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### **5. Second Rise**
- Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let it rise for another **30-45 minutes**.
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### **6. Prepare the Instant Pot**
- Add **1 cup of water** to the Instant Pot’s inner pot and place the trivet inside.
- If using parchment paper, create a sling by folding the edges to make it easier to lift the bread later.
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### **7. Cook the Bread**
- Place the dough (on the parchment paper or cornmeal-dusted surface) onto the trivet.
- Secure the lid, set the valve to **sealing**, and select the **“Steam”** or **“Manual”** setting for **30 minutes**.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a **10-minute natural pressure release** before carefully removing the lid.
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### **8. Finish with a Crispy Crust**
- For a golden, crispy crust, transfer the bread to a preheated oven at **400°F (200°C)** and bake for **10-15 minutes**.
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### **9. Cool and Serve**
- Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least **20 minutes** before slicing.
- Enjoy your **homemade rustic country bread** with butter, olive oil, or your favorite spreads!
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## **Tips for Success**
- Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients for accuracy.
- Experiment with adding herbs, seeds, or whole grains for extra flavor and texture.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container or freeze for up to 3 months.
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With this **Instant Pot rustic country bread recipe**, you can enjoy fresh, homemade bread without the hassle of traditional baking methods. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, this loaf is sure to impress!
**Keywords**: Instant Pot bread, rustic country bread, homemade bread recipe, easy bread recipe, no-knead bread, artisanal bread, Instant Pot baking.
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By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious, crusty loaf of bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!