Pain de Campagne (Country Bread)

Name: Pain de Campagne (Country Bread)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup active sourdough starter; 1 1/2 cups warm water; 3 cups bread flour; 1 cup whole wheat flour; 2 tsp salt

Pain de Campagne (Country Bread) photo 1

12 servings30 min prep45 min cookMedium

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Pain de Campagne (Country Bread)

Story updated September 18, 2026

Pain de campagne, or French "country bread," traces to rural French baking traditions using a mix of wheat and rye flours, often naturally leavened, reflecting rustic farmhouse methods that predate the fine white breads associated with Parisian bakeries.

Ingredients

Scale:· 12 servings

1/2 cup active sourdough starter
1 1/2 cups warm water
3 cups bread flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tsp salt

Instructions

1Whisk starter and water together, then stir in both flours and salt.
2Rest 30 minutes, then perform 4 stretch-and-folds over 2 hours.
3Bulk ferment 4-6 hours, until puffy.
4Shape into a round, place in a floured proofing basket, and chill overnight.
5Score the top and bake in a preheated Dutch oven at 450°F, covered 20 minutes then uncovered 20-25 minutes.

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