Easy crusty bread
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Additional Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 25 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
186 kcal
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Course
Bread
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Cuisine
International
Easy crusty bread
Description
The Easy Crusty Bread starts by activating yeast and sugar in water warmed to blood temperature for optimum yeast performance. Flour and salt are mixed in, then kneaded briefly to form a slightly sticky dough, adjusted with extra flour if needed. After shaping the dough into a ball and dusting with flour, it rises covered until doubled in size.
Following the first rise, the dough is shaped again and allowed a second proofing to develop more structure. The oven is preheated with a Dutch oven or heavy pot inside, which will be used to bake the bread covered to retain steam and promote a crusty exterior.
Carefully transferring the dough to the hot pot and baking covered helps create the signature crust and soft crumb. This straightforward method uses basic ingredients and steps to produce reliably crusty homemade bread suitable for a range of meals.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups water When you put your finger in the water, it should feel like nothing. This is called blood temperature. 98.6°F or 37°C, warm
- 10 g (2tsp) instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 cups flour (+1 cup for dusting)
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the water, sugar and yeast. Allow to stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add the flour and salt then knead with the dough hook for 5 minutes.
- The dough will be slightly sticky but shouldn't be wet. If it is, add 1-2 tbsp flour and knead in.
- Bring the dough together into a ball with your hand. Dust over 1-2 tbsp flour (you want it to be well covered).
- Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel and allow the dough to rise for 1 hour until doubled in size. Leaving the dough in a warm spot will aid the rising.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F. Place a pot (dutch oven) with a lid into the oven to preheat.
- When the dough has proved, turn it out onto a floured surface. Fold the edges into the center of the dough then place into a floured bowl, seam side down. Dust over more flour.
- Cover with the tea towel and allow to rise for another 30 minutes.
- Carefully remove the pot from the oven and remove the lid. Transfer the dough to the pot and cover with the lid.
- Place in the oven and allow to bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for 20-30 minutes (or until it has cooled to room temperature) before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 186 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 186kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 293mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 12mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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