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Preheat the oven
Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). If you have a Dutch oven or cast iron pot, place it in the oven while it preheats. Preheating the pot helps create that authentic, crisp crust. -
Mix the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar (or honey). Stir to mix.
Add the warm water and olive oil.
Mix with a spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms. This should only take about 1–2 minutes — no kneading required. -
Let the dough rest briefly
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This gives the yeast just enough time to start activating. -
Shape and bake
If using a Dutch oven, carefully remove it from the oven. Lightly flour your hands and shape the dough into a rough ball or oval.
Place the dough in the preheated pot (or on a parchment-lined baking sheet).
If desired, score the top with a sharp knife for a rustic look. -
Bake
Cover (if using a Dutch oven) and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and crisp. -
Cool and serve
Remove the bread from the pot and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the crumb set and keeps the interior soft.
Tips for Success
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Always use warm (not hot) water — too hot can kill the yeast.
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For extra flavor, mix in a few seeds or herbs such as caraway or rosemary.
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To make it even faster, mix the dough in the morning and refrigerate; bake later the same day.
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If you don’t have a Dutch oven, bake the dough on a baking sheet with a small oven-safe bowl of water on the rack below to help create steam.
Variations
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German Bauernbrot (Farmer’s Bread): Replace 1 cup of white flour with rye flour and add 1 teaspoon caraway seeds.
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Multigrain Version: Mix in oats, seeds, and whole grains for a hearty, nutty loaf.
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Garlic and Herb Bread: Add minced garlic and dried herbs to the dough for a savory twist.
Storage
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Store bread in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean towel at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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For longer storage, freeze slices in an airtight bag. Toast or reheat as needed.
Summary
This 5-minute German bread recipe proves that homemade bread doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a fresh, crusty loaf ready to serve with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Rustic, flavorful, and beautifully simple — it’s everything good bread should be, made fast and from the heart.
