This Quick and Crunchy Bread recipe is perfect for those spontaneous baking moments when you want homemade bread with minimal effort. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a crispy crust and a soft interior—ideal for sandwiches, toast, or a delicious snack.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups flour (preferably white spelled or white wheat flour)
- 1.5 cups warm water
- 2 heaping teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons dry yeast, and 2 heaping teaspoons salt.
- Gradually pour in 1.5 cups warm water, stirring with a spoon or your hands until all the ingredients come together to form a sticky dough.
2. Knead the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for 1 hour at room temperature. You can also leave it overnight in the refrigerator for a slower rise and enhanced flavor.
4. Preheat the Oven:
- Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven or baking dish with a lid inside to heat up along with the oven. This helps create a steamy environment for a crispy crust.
5. Shape the Bread:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a round loaf by gently folding the edges toward the center.
- Carefully remove the preheated Dutch oven from the oven and place the dough inside. Make a couple of slashes on top of the dough with a sharp knife to help it expand while baking.
6. Bake the Bread:
- Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and bake the bread for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the bread has a deep golden brown crust.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy the crispy crust and soft interior with your favorite spreads, butter, or toppings!
A Simple Yet Satisfying Bread
This Quick and Crunchy Bread is perfect for any occasion, from a casual snack to a homemade dinner accompaniment. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy fresh, crunchy bread anytime!
