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HOMEMADE LARGE LOAVES WITH SIMPLE SHAPING TECHNIQUE — MIX OF WHITE & RYE FLOUR

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HOMEMADE LARGE LOAVES WITH SIMPLE SHAPING TECHNIQUE — MIX OF WHITE & RYE FLOUR

HOMEMADE LARGE LOAVES WITH SIMPLE SHAPING TECHNIQUE — MIX OF WHITE & RYE FLOUR

Along with the recipe, I’m sharing an easy method to shape classic rustic loaves (franzele) that bake beautifully with a crisp crust and tender crumb.

🕒 Prep Time: 20 min

🍳 Rising Time: 2 hours
🍰 Bake Time: 40-45 min
🍽️ Yield: 2 large loaves

Ingredients

  • 750 g all-purpose white flour + extra for dusting
  • 200 g whole rye flour
  • 550 ml warm water
  • 2 packets dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 5 tbsp olive oil + extra for greasing the bowl
  • 2 tbsp cornmeal (for dusting baking trays)

Instructions

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm water. Mix the flours together and make a well in the center. Add olive oil, sugar, and salt into the well. Gradually pour in the yeast water while mixing to form an elastic dough.
    Since this is a large batch, I used a bread machine to knead the dough for an additional 15 minutes after initial mixing.
  2. Oil a large bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1½ hours.
  3. Dust your work surface generously with flour. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
  4. To shape each loaf: roll the dough into a rectangular sheet. Fold in two corners along one long edge, then roll the dough tightly from the opposite long edge, forming a classic loaf shape.
  5. Place the shaped loaves on two baking trays lined with parchment paper and sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 30 minutes in a warm place.
  6. Using a sharp knife, make a diagonal slash along each loaf’s surface to help with oven spring.
  7. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 40–45 minutes until golden brown on top.

💡 Tips

  • Using a mix of white and rye flour adds flavor and texture depth.
  • Cornmeal on baking trays prevents sticking and adds crunch to the crust.
  • The folding and rolling shaping method creates a beautiful rustic loaf form.
  • Sharp scoring encourages even rising and a decorative crust.

🍽️ Perfect For

  • Sandwich breads
  • Rustic meals and soups
  • Home baking projects

📝 Final Thoughts

This recipe and shaping technique yield large, artisan-style loaves with a chewy crumb and crisp crust—perfect for everyday use or special occasions. Simple steps, rewarding results!