Crusty Bread Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 10, 2025

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Crusty Bread Recipe: Achieve Bakery-Quality Bread at Home

Are you dreaming of that perfect, crusty loaf of bread? The kind with a shatteringly crisp crust and a soft, airy interior? You don't need a professional bakery to achieve this; you can make it at home! This crusty bread recipe will guide you through the process, ensuring you produce a loaf you'll be proud of.

Ingredients You'll Need for Amazing Crusty Bread

This recipe uses simple ingredients, readily available at most grocery stores. The key is in the technique, not exotic ingredients!

• Flour: 4 cups (500g) strong bread flour (high protein content is crucial for that chewy texture). All-purpose flour can be used, but the result might be slightly less chewy.
• Water: 1 ½ cups (350ml) lukewarm water. The temperature is important for yeast activation.
• Salt: 2 teaspoons (10g) Salt controls yeast activity and enhances flavor.
• Yeast: 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast (or 1 teaspoon instant yeast). Check the expiration date!
• Optional additions: A tablespoon of olive oil or honey can add extra flavor and moisture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Crusty Bread

This recipe utilizes the no-knead method, minimizing your effort while maximizing flavor.

Step 1: Mixing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. This confirms your yeast is active.
2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. Don't worry about kneading at this stage.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for at least 4-6 hours, or even overnight (bulk fermentation). The longer it rises, the more flavor it will develop.

Step 2: Shaping the Dough

1. Gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. It will be sticky.
2. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf. A slightly tight shaping helps develop a better crust.
3. Place the dough into a well-floured banneton basket (a proofing basket) or a bowl lined with a floured kitchen towel, seam-side up. This helps the bread retain its shape.
4. Cover and let it rise for another 1-2 hours (final proof).

Step 3: Baking the Crusty Bread

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes. The hot Dutch oven creates steam, crucial for a crispy crust.
2. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven.
3. Gently flip the dough from the banneton into the Dutch oven.
4. Cover the Dutch oven and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Remove the lid and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
6. Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips for Perfect Crusty Bread

• Use a good quality flour: The protein content is key to structure.
• Don't over-knead: The no-knead method is your friend!
• Control the temperature: A warm place for rising is essential.
• Be patient: The long fermentation times are crucial for flavour development.
• Use a Dutch oven: This is the secret weapon for a fantastic crust!

Enjoy Your Homemade Crusty Bread!

This crusty bread recipe allows you to enjoy the satisfaction of baking delicious, bakery-quality bread at home. Experiment with different flours, add-ins, and baking times to perfect your own crusty bread masterpiece. Share your results and happy baking!