Hard crust bread recipe

Start by activating your yeast. In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently to dissolve and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it may be expired, and you’ll need to try again with fresh yeast.

2. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the foamy yeast mixture and stir until a dough begins to form. You can use a spoon or your hands to mix the dough together. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a bit more water until the dough is soft and slightly tacky but not too sticky.

3. Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and begin kneading. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly shiny. If you’re not sure if the dough is ready, try the “windowpane test”: Stretch a small piece of dough between your fingers. If it stretches thin without breaking, the dough is ready.

4. First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. You can speed up this process by placing the bowl in an oven with the light on or near a warm stovetop.

5. Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round or oval loaf, depending on your preference. If you want to make smaller loaves, divide the dough into two equal portions and shape them separately.

6. Second Rise

Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or into a bread pan if you prefer a more structured loaf. Dust the top with a little flour or cornmeal for a rustic touch. Cover the dough and let it rise again for about 30 minutes to 1 hour until it’s puffed up and nearly doubled in size.

7. Preheat the Oven

While the dough is undergoing its second rise, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a small, empty pan on the bottom rack of the oven while it’s heating up – this will create steam when the bread bakes, helping to form that perfect hard crust.

8. Bake the Bread

Once the dough has risen, use a sharp knife or razor blade to make a few slashes across the top of the dough. This allows the bread to expand while baking and gives it a professional, artisanal look.

Carefully place the bread into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. For a darker, crisper crust, you can leave it in a little longer, but be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

During the first 10 minutes of baking, pour ½ cup of hot water into the small pan at the bottom of the oven to create steam. This will help the bread rise and form a crunchy exterior.

9. Cool the Bread

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Allow the bread to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This gives the crumb a chance to set and makes slicing easier. Plus, the cooling process allows the flavor to deepen.

Tips for Perfect Hard Crust Bread

1. Use Bread Flour: For a chewier, more rustic texture, you can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour. It has more gluten, which helps to create a better structure in the bread.
2. Steam is Key: The steam created in the oven during baking is essential for achieving a hard, crispy crust. Don’t skip this step! If you don’t have a pan to create steam, you can also spray the oven walls with water before baking.
3. Let It Rise Properly: Be patient during the rising stages. The dough needs time to develop flavor and texture, so don’t rush through the process.
4. Resting Time: Even though it’s tempting to slice into that freshly baked loaf right away, allow the bread to cool properly to achieve the best texture and flavor.
5. Add Flavor: For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding herbs (like rosemary or thyme), garlic powder, or olive oil to the dough before the first rise.

Why You Should Try Making Hard Crust Bread

1. Incredibly Satisfying: There’s something magical about pulling a loaf of freshly baked bread out of the oven, and the crispy, golden crust makes it even better.
2. Fresh and Homemade: Homemade bread is free from preservatives and packed with flavor. You’ll taste the difference with every bite.
3. Great for Every Meal: Hard crust bread is versatile. It pairs well with soups, stews, salads, or as the base for a delicious sandwich.
4. A Great Baking Project: If you’ve never baked bread before, this recipe is a fantastic introduction. It’s a simple process with delicious results.

Conclusion

Hard crust bread is the ideal bread for those who love a crunchy, flavorful crust paired with a soft, airy interior. This recipe is straightforward, using simple ingredients, and the end result is a loaf that tastes just as good as anything from an artisan bakery. Whether you enjoy it as a side to your favorite meals or simply with a little butter, this homemade bread will become a staple in your kitchen. Try it today, and enjoy the process of baking and the delicious rewards that come with it!