Crusty Bread Recipe: Homemade Perfection
If you’ve ever craved the aroma and texture of freshly baked bread, this Crusty Bread recipe is perfect for you. It’s straightforward to make and yields two delicious loaves with a crisp, golden crust and soft, airy interior. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty stew or enjoying it with a simple spread, this bread is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups warm water
- 2 1/4 tsp. yeast
- 1 tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 tsp. olive oil
- 4 cups flour
Directions
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and brown sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes bubbly and foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing continuously. You can use a dough hook for this process. Continue mixing until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead and Rise:
- Knead the dough for a few minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
- Shape the Loaves:
- Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into two equal parts and shape each into a loaf.
- Place the loaves on a baking sheet, cover them with a damp cloth, and let them rise again until doubled.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Beat together one egg with one tablespoon of water. Brush this egg mixture over the risen loaves.
- With a sharp knife, make a single long cut down the center of each loaf.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place a shallow pan with at least 1 cup of hot water on the rack below the bread in the oven. The steam created will help achieve a crispy crust. You may need to add more water during the baking process.
- Bake the loaves for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on wire racks.
Recipe Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per slice
- Servings: About 20 slices
Enjoy your freshly baked Crusty Bread as a delicious accompaniment to any meal or as a satisfying treat on its own. Happy baking!
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Crusty Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 1x
Ingredients
1 1/3 cups warm water
2 1/4 tsp. yeast
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. olive oil
4 cups flour
Instructions
Place warm water, yeast, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir and let stand for a few minutes until it starts to bubble and foam a bit.
Add olive oil and salt. Mix and add the flour gradually.
Mix with a dough hook for a few minutes until the dough comes away from the sides of the bowl.
Cover and let the dough rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
Punch down dough, divide in two, and form into two loaves.
Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Beat together one egg and one tablespoon of water. Brush the risen loaves with the egg mixture. Make a single long quick cut down the center of the loaves with a sharp knife.
Place at least 1 cup of hot water in a shallow pan and place it on the rack underneath the bread. The steam will make the crust turn perfectly. You may need to add a bit more water during cooking.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the loaves turn golden brown and sound hollow when you tap them.
Remove from pan and let cool on racks. Enjoy your meals!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal