Today, I’m excited to share a fantastic recipe for Crispy Homemade Bread. This bread is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for any occasion. It’s a bit of a labor of love with several rest periods, but the result is absolutely worth it. Let’s get baking! 💖
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (active)
- Rest Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 225 ml warm water
- 12 g white sugar
- 3 g active dry yeast
- 30 ml olive oil
- 300 g all-purpose or bread flour, sifted
- 3 g salt
- Additional water as needed
- Olive oil, for greasing and drizzling
- Additional flour, for sprinkling
- Additional salt, for sprinkling
Directions
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a bowl, mix 225 ml warm water, 12 g white sugar, and 3 g active dry yeast. Leave it for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Add 30 ml olive oil to the yeast mixture.
- In a large bowl, sift 300 g of flour and mix in 3 g of salt.
- Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour, stirring to combine. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water.
- Stretch and Fold:
- Perform the first stretch and fold: stretch the dough and fold it over itself. Cover and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, perform the second stretch and fold. Cover and let it rest for another 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, perform the final stretch and fold.
- First Rise:
- Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough in it. Cover and let it rise until it doubles in size (about 40 minutes to 1 hour).
- Shape the Dough:
- Sprinkle some flour on a work surface and transfer the dough onto it. Fold the dough over itself a few times.
- Divide the dough into 2 equal parts and let them rest for 15 minutes.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C).
- Lightly oil a baking sheet. Place the dough pieces on the sheet.
- Sprinkle some flour on top and drizzle with olive oil. Use your fingers to make indents in the dough.
- Sprinkle with a little salt.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve:
- After baking, let the bread cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the crispiness on the outside and the softness inside!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter or olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Use for sandwiches or as a side for soups and salads.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast.
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements for the best results.
Nutritional Benefits
- Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats.
- Homemade Bread: Free from preservatives and additives.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Vegan: Use a plant-based sweetener instead of sugar.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to follow with minimal ingredients.
- Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Perfect for various meals and occasions.
Conclusion
Enjoy making and eating this delicious crispy homemade bread. It’s perfect for any meal and sure to impress anyone you serve it to. Happy baking! 💖