There’s something irresistible about freshly baked bread—its warm, soft interior paired with a golden, crispy crust. This recipe creates the perfect homemade bread that’s both soft and fluffy on the inside, with a satisfying crunch on the outside. Whether you’re making it for dinner or as a snack, this bread recipe offers a delightful experience, combining simplicity and deliciousness in every bite.

The secret to achieving the ultimate texture lies in using warm water to activate the yeast and incorporating melted butter into the dough for extra richness. Topped with egg yolk for a shiny finish and sprinkled with caraway seeds and sesame seeds for flavor and texture, this bread will quickly become a family favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• Salt: 2 teaspoons
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon
• Dry Yeast: 1.5 teaspoons
• Warm Water: 300 ml
• Flour: 850 g
• Melted Butter: 80 g

For the Topping:

• Egg Yolk: 1 (for brushing the dough)
• Caraway Seeds and Sesame Seeds: For sprinkling on top

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. Prepare the Water: In a bowl, mix 300 ml of warm water with 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1.5 teaspoons of dry yeast. Stir well to combine.
2. Let it Rest: Allow the mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes until the yeast starts to bubble and foam, indicating it is activated.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift 850 g of flour and 2 teaspoons of salt.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually pour in the activated yeast mixture and 80 g of melted butter. Begin mixing the ingredients together using a wooden spoon or your hands.
5. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes soft, elastic, and slightly sticky. You can add more flour if the dough is too sticky, but be careful not to add too much as this may make the bread dense.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

6. First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Knead the dough lightly for another minute.

Step 4: Shape the Bread

8. Divide and Shape: Divide the dough into small portions if making individual flatbreads or shape it into a single large round loaf, depending on your preference. Flatten each portion into a round, even shape.
9. Prepare for Baking: Place the shaped dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Add the Topping

10. Brush with Egg Yolk: Lightly beat 1 egg yolk and brush it over the surface of the dough. This will give the bread a shiny, golden appearance when baked.
11. Sprinkle with Seeds: Sprinkle the top of the dough with caraway seeds and sesame seeds to add flavor and texture.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

12. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
13. Bake: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and crispy. You can check the doneness by tapping the bottom of the loaf—if it sounds hollow, the bread is ready.
14. Cool: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Cooking Tips

• Yeast Activation: Ensure the water used to activate the yeast is warm, not hot. Hot water can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
• Kneading: Proper kneading is essential for the bread to develop gluten, which gives it structure and softness. The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet.
• Rising Time: If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough in an oven with the light on or near a warm stove to speed up the rising process.
• Seed Toppings: If you prefer, you can experiment with other toppings like poppy seeds, sunflower seeds, or flaxseeds for added crunch and flavor.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the bread at room temperature in a sealed plastic bag or bread box for up to 2 days. This will keep the crust from becoming too hard.
• Freezing: You can freeze the bread by wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: To bring back the crispy crust, reheat the bread in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, for 10 Servings)

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 340 mg
• Sugar: 2 g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

FAQs

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of 00 flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier version. However, the texture might be denser compared to using 00 flour. You may need to adjust the liquid content as whole wheat flour absorbs more water.

Q: How do I make the bread crust extra crispy?
A: To achieve a crispier crust, you can spray the inside of your oven with a bit of water or place a pan of water on the bottom rack while the bread bakes. This creates steam, which helps develop a golden, crispy crust.

Q: Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
A: Absolutely! You can add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to the dough for extra flavor.

Q: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
A: To make this bread gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free bread flour mix and follow the same steps. The texture will differ slightly, but it can still turn out delicious.

 

Conclusion

This recipe for Soft, Fluffy Bread with a Crispy Crust is a must-try for bread lovers. The combination of the soft interior and crispy, golden exterior creates a perfect balance that is ideal for any meal, whether it’s served with butter, jam, or used as a base for sandwiches. The addition of seeds on top adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch that complements the fluffy dough perfectly.

Baking homemade bread may seem daunting at first, but this recipe breaks down the process into simple steps, ensuring that you achieve bakery-quality results every time. With a few essential ingredients and some patience during the rising process, you’ll be rewarded with delicious bread that can rival any store-bought version.