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Homemade Bread: Simple Crusty Loaf


  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 775 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This homemade bread boasts a crisp crust and tender crumb, developed through long fermentation. Ideal for beginners and busy cooks.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500 g (4 cups) bread flour
  • 350 ml (1 1/2 cups) warm water
  • 7 g (1 packet / 2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
  • 10 g (1 3/4 tsp) salt
  • 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil (optional)
  • 10 g (1 tbsp) honey or sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Add water and olive oil; stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 2–3 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky.
  3. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  4. Perform three stretch-and-folds spaced 30 minutes apart, then refrigerate for 10–12 hours.
  5. Shape the dough into a round boule and let it bench rest for 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat a Dutch oven to 230°C (450°F) for 30 minutes. Bake the dough covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for another 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Cool the bread on a rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use a digital scale for measurements. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours after shaping if needed.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 1.5g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 3.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg