Homemade Soft Crusty Bread

Homemade Soft Crusty Bread

There’s something truly comforting about baking your own bread at home. The aroma that fills the kitchen, the golden crust, and the tender, airy interior—it all comes together in this perfect Homemade Soft Crusty Bread. This recipe delivers a beautiful rustic loaf with a crunchy golden shell and a soft, pillowy inside that practically melts in your mouth. It’s ideal for toast, sandwiches, or simply served warm with a pat of butter. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced home baker, this bread is delightfully simple and rewarding to make.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups (450g) all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 1 tablespoon sugar

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• 2 1/4 teaspoons instant dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (not hot)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for softer texture)

• Extra flour for dusting

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Stir in the dry yeast. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil (if using), mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.

2. Knead the Dough:
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed.

3. First Rise:
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

4. Shape the Dough:
   After rising, punch down the dough and gently form it into a round loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking tray or into a greased round baking dish. Dust the top lightly with flour and make a shallow score or “X” with a sharp knife if desired.

5. Second Rise:
   Cover and let the dough rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffed.

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6. Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you want an extra-crusty finish, place a small dish of water on the bottom oven rack to create steam. Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

7. Cool & Serve:
   Let the loaf cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy fresh, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:
This Homemade Soft Crusty Bread is the kind of recipe that turns any day into something special. With its golden, crackly exterior and light, tender interior, it’s the perfect companion to soup, cheese, or just a drizzle of honey. Whether you serve it fresh out of the oven or toasted the next morning, each bite brings warmth, flavor, and a sense of home. Once you try it, it might just become your go-to bread recipe.