Easy Bread Recipe for Crusty Bread

Crusty bread is a type of bread that is characterized by its thick, chewy crust. It is often made with a sourdough starter, which gives it a slightly sour flavor. Crusty bread is a popular choice for sandwiches, toast, and dipping in soups and stews.

This easy bread recipe for crusty bread is perfect for beginners. It is made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The bread is kneaded by hand, but you can also use a stand mixer if you prefer. The dough is then shaped into a loaf and baked in a cast-iron skillet.

This bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. The crust will be golden brown and crispy, and the crumb will be light and fluffy.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water.
3. Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
7. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
8. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf.
9. Place the loaf in the prepared pan and let rise for another 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
10. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
11. Let the bread cool completely before slicing and enjoying.

FAQ

• Q: How do make sure the bread is cooked all the way through?
  
  A: To make sure the bread is cooked all the way through, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If the toothpick comes out clean, the bread is done.
• Q: What can do if the bread is too dry?
  
  A: If the bread is too dry, you can try adding a little more water to the dough next time. You can also brush the bread with melted butter or olive oil before baking to help keep it moist.
• Q: What can do if the bread is too dense?
  
  A: If the bread is too dense, you can try kneading the dough for longer next time. You can also try using a higher hydration dough, which will result in a lighter, fluffier bread.

Pros

• Easy to make
• Uses simple ingredients
• Can be customized with different add-ins
• Makes a delicious, hearty loaf of bread

Tips

• Use a sharp knife to slice the bread.
• Serve the bread with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.
• Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• You can also freeze the bread for up to 2 months.

Summary

This easy bread recipe for crusty bread is a great way to make a delicious, homemade loaf of bread. The bread is made with simple ingredients and is easy to follow. With a little practice, you’ll be able to make this bread like a pro.