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Easy Homemade Bread Recipes for Perfect Crisp Crust and Tender Crumb

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This easy homemade bread recipe delivers a crisp crust and tender crumb with simple ingredients and minimal fuss, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour or bread flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet or 7g) instant yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups (360g) of flour, 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) instant yeast, and 2 teaspoons (10g) salt. Stir gently to distribute evenly. (5 minutes)
  2. Add warm water and oil: Pour in 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C) and 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil if using. Mix until dough forms a shaggy ball. (3 minutes)
  3. First rise: Cover bowl with damp towel or plastic wrap. Let dough rise at room temperature for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled and bubbly. (60–90 minutes)
  4. Preheat oven & prepare for baking: About 30 minutes before baking, preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Place Dutch oven inside to heat if using.
  5. Shape the dough: Turn dough onto floured surface. Gently shape into a round loaf by folding edges into center a few times. (5 minutes)
  6. Second rise: Place shaped loaf on parchment paper. Cover lightly and let rest for 30 minutes while oven heats.
  7. Score and bake: Make slashes on top with sharp knife. Transfer dough and parchment to hot Dutch oven or baking sheet. Cover if using Dutch oven. (10 minutes)
  8. Bake with steam: Bake covered for 20 minutes, then remove lid and bake 15-20 minutes more until crust is deep golden and crisp. If using baking sheet, place pan of hot water on bottom rack for steam. (35-40 minutes)
  9. Cool before slicing: Remove bread from oven and cool completely on wire rack to avoid gummy crumb. (At least 1 hour)

Notes

Do not over-knead the dough; it should be sticky. Use warm water around 110°F to activate yeast without killing it. Create steam during baking with a Dutch oven or a pan of water in the oven. Cool bread completely before slicing to avoid gummy texture. If crust is not crisp enough, bake a few minutes longer uncovered or increase oven temperature slightly but watch closely to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade bread, easy bread recipe, crusty bread, tender crumb, baking bread, simple bread recipe, no-knead bread

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/easy-homemade-bread-recipes-for-perfect-crisp-crust-and-tender-crumb/