Bacon-Filled Hasselback Potatoes

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F or 45°C)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter, if preferred)
• 1 tbsp vinegar (optional, but it helps with the crust texture)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Super Soft and Crispy Crust Bread

1. Activate the Yeast

The first step is to activate the yeast. This ensures that your dough will rise properly and develop that lovely, airy texture.

• In a small bowl, combine the warm water (about 110°F) and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top.
• Let the yeast sit for about 5-10 minutes. It should become frothy and bubbly, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use. If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be old or the water temperature may have been too hot, so try again with fresh yeast.

2. Mix the Dough

Now it’s time to bring everything together.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
• Pour the activated yeast mixture into the well, followed by the olive oil (or melted butter) and vinegar (if using).
• Stir the mixture together with a spoon or your hands until it forms a rough dough.

3. Knead the Dough

Kneading the dough helps develop the gluten, which gives the bread its soft and chewy texture.

• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and begin kneading. Use the palms of your hands to push the dough forward, then fold it back over itself. Repeat this motion for about 8-10 minutes.
• If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, but be careful not to add too much. The dough should be soft, slightly tacky, and smooth by the end of kneading.

4. First Rise

After kneading, it’s time to let the dough rise. This will allow the yeast to work its magic, making the bread light and airy.

• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
• Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. You can speed up this process by placing the dough in an oven with the light on or in a warm area of your kitchen.

5. Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into a loaf.

• Gently punch down the dough to release any air bubbles.
• Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a tight loaf by folding the edges inward and rolling it up into a cylinder.
• Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan or onto a parchment-lined baking sheet if you prefer a free-form loaf.

6. Second Rise

Allow the dough to rise again for about 30 minutes to an hour. This second rise ensures that the bread will be soft and airy on the inside. It should puff up slightly but won’t rise as much as the first time.

7. Prepare the Oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). For an extra crispy crust, you can place a small pan of water in the bottom of the oven to create steam as the bread bakes. This will help form a golden, crunchy crust.

8. Bake the Bread

Once the dough has finished rising, it’s time to bake!

• Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The bread is done when the top is golden brown, and when you tap the bottom of the loaf, it should sound hollow.
• For an extra crispy crust, you can brush the top of the loaf with a little olive oil or butter right before baking.

9. Cool and Slice

Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the bread to set and makes it easier to cut.

If you can resist the urge to slice it immediately, it’s worth waiting a bit for the bread to cool slightly. The soft interior will be easier to slice, and the crust will stay crispy.

Tips for the Perfect Soft and Crispy Bread

• Don’t rush the rises: Letting the dough rise properly is key to getting the soft texture. If you’re in a hurry, try placing the dough in a warm spot, like inside an oven with just the light on, to speed up the process.
• Use high-quality flour: The quality of your flour can make a big difference in the texture of your bread. Use all-purpose flour for a light and airy loaf, or for more chew, try using bread flour.
• Give the crust a boost: To achieve the perfect crispy crust, you can place a pan of water in the oven while baking. This creates steam, which helps form a beautiful, golden-brown exterior. Another option is to spritz the dough with water right before baking.
• Add flavor: If you want to add a little extra flavor, try incorporating herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic into the dough. You can also sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top before baking for a salty crunch.

Conclusion: The Best of Both Worlds

This Super Soft and Crispy Crust Bread recipe combines the best aspects of homemade bread— a light, tender interior and a perfectly crispy, golden crust. It’s versatile, easy to make, and perfect for anything from sandwiches to dipping in soup, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter.

Making homemade bread doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. With just a little bit of time and effort, you can create a loaf that rivals any bakery. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible smell and taste of fresh, homemade bread!