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Here’s a recipe for Hard Crust Bread (also known as artisan bread) that yields a beautifully crusty loaf with a soft interior.
Hard Crust Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
Instructions
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Mix well.
- Pour in the warm water and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. It should be wet and sticky.
- First Rise:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours (overnight works great) until it has doubled in size and has bubbles on the surface.
- Shape the Dough:
- After the dough has risen, lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface and sprinkle a little more flour on top. Using floured hands, gently shape the dough into a ball. Be careful not to deflate it too much.
- Second Rise:
- Place the shaped dough on a piece of parchment paper. Cover it with a towel and let it rise for another 1-2 hours until puffed up.
- Preheat the Oven:
- About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a Dutch oven (with the lid) inside to heat up.
- Bake the Bread:
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Using the parchment paper, lift the dough and place it inside the pot (be cautious of the hot surfaces).
- Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and crusty.
- Cool:
- Once baked, remove the bread from the pot and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy!
This hard crust bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil, serving with soups, or enjoying with your favorite spread. Enjoy the delicious aroma and taste of homemade bread!
