Description
Homemade crusty bread brings rustic European bakery magic right to kitchen counters. Crisp golden exterior and pillowy interior create perfect harmony for sandwich lovers and bread enthusiasts craving authentic artisan flavor you can easily craft at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- 1 ⅓ cups warm water
- 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast
Seasonings and Sweeteners:
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Other:
- 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in tepid water mixed with brown sugar, allowing the mixture to bloom and become frothy, which signals active fermentation.
- Incorporate olive oil and salt into the activated yeast solution, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Gradually fold flour into the liquid mixture, using a dough hook or hands to integrate ingredients until a cohesive mass forms that pulls cleanly from bowl edges.
- Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead vigorously for several minutes, developing gluten and creating a smooth, elastic texture.
- Place kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, drape with a damp kitchen towel, and allow to rest in a draft-free zone until volume doubles, approximately 45-60 minutes.
- Deflate dough gently by pressing out accumulated gases, then divide into two uniform portions and shape into elongated loaves with smooth surfaces.
- Arrange formed loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet, loosely cover with a moistened cloth, and permit second rising until substantially increased in size.
- Heat oven to 375°F, positioning a shallow metal pan on the bottom rack for water steaming.
- Whisk egg with water to create a glossy wash, then delicately brush over loaf surfaces to enhance golden coloration.
- Using a razor-sharp knife, score each loaf with a decisive longitudinal cut to facilitate controlled expansion during baking.
- Pour hot water into the bottom pan, creating a humid baking environment, and slide loaves into the oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway to ensure uniform browning, until loaves develop a rich amber crust and emit a hollow sound when tapped.
- Transfer bread to wire cooling racks, allowing complete temperature reduction before slicing to preserve internal moisture and texture.
Notes
- Steam plays a crucial role in creating that perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior that makes this bread irresistible.
- Egg wash gives the loaves a beautiful sheen and helps develop a rich, glossy crust that looks professionally baked.
- Allowing the dough to rise twice ensures maximum flavor development and creates those delightful air pockets that make homemade bread so special.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Breakfast, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg