Country Bread

Country bread is a rustic, crusty wheat loaf with a chewy, open crumb. Its blistered, caramelized crust and gentle tang make slices sturdy for spreads and saucy dishes; it toasts evenly and grills well. Common uses include sandwiches, bruschetta, pan con tomate, croutons, and thick-cut toast, and it is typically sold as boules or batards, whole or pre-sliced.\n\nInspired by European farmhouse loaves such as French pain de campagne and Italian pane casereccio, it spread through artisan baking traditions. Many bakers rely on long fermentation or natural sourdough starters and bake in stone or deck ovens.