CRUSTY FRENCH BREAD

There’s something timeless about the smell of warm, crusty bread fresh from the oven... especially when it’s made with real, clean ingredients. This Rustic Willow Flour Loaf brings the magic of French-style baking right to your kitchen. Made with our naturally low-gluten, additive-free French flour, it’s light on the stomach, gentle on digestion, and full of flavor.

With just a few simple ingredients and a Dutch oven, you can create a bakery-quality loaf with a crisp golden crust and an airy, tender crumb. It’s the perfect bread for cozy fall dinners, hearty soups, or simply slathered with butter and a sprinkle of sea salt.

This easy, no-knead recipe highlights what makes Willow Flour so special - pure French wheat milled with care, designed for families who love to bake, slow down, and savor the everyday moments that matter most.

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (9 grams)

• 1 teaspoon sugar (4 grams) (use honey if you prefer)

• 1 ¼ cups warm water (300 grams)

• 1 ¼ teaspoons (8 grams) kosher salt

• 400 grams Willow Flour (plus extra for dusting)

Instructions:

Mix & First Rise (1 Hour)

1. In a large bowl (or stand mixer), combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it rest 5 minutes until foamy.

2. Add Willow Flour and stir until a soft, shaggy dough forms, then mix in the salt. It will feel a little sticky — that’s perfect.

3. Cover with a tea towel and let rise on the counter about 1 hour, until doubled in size.

Shape & Final Rise (30 Minutes)

4. Lightly flour your surface and gently turn out the dough (don’t punch it down — keep those beautiful air pockets!).

5. Fold the edges toward the center to form a smooth round loaf, then place seam-side down in a floured proofing basket or bowl.

6. Cover and let rest another 30 minutes while your oven preheats.

Preheat the Oven

7. Place your Dutch oven (with lid) inside and he

at to 460°F.

Bake

8. Carefully tip the loaf seam-side up onto parchment, then lift it into the hot Dutch oven.

9. Bake 30 minutes covered, then 10–15 minutes uncovered until golden brown and crisp.

Cool at least 30 minutes before slicing — if you can wait that long. Serve warm with butter, soup, or someone you love.

SHOP WILLOW FLOUR