This crusty bread machine recipe produces a delicious loaf with a golden-brown crust and soft, airy interior. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or enjoying with butter.
Using a bread machine simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked bread with minimal effort. The recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward steps.
The Allure of Freshly Baked Bread
There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen.
It evokes feelings of warmth and comfort, inviting everyone to gather around the table.
The golden-brown crust, with its rustic appearance, is not just a feast for the eyes but also a promise of delightful flavors waiting to be savored.
Creating the Perfect Crust
The crust of the bread plays a significant role in its overall appeal.
A crispy exterior provides a satisfying contrast to the soft, airy interior.
Achieving this perfect crust involves the right balance of ingredients and baking techniques, ensuring that each loaf emerges from the oven with a delightful crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Once the bread is baked and cooled, the possibilities for serving are endless.
Slicing the loaf reveals its fluffy texture, making it ideal for sandwiches or simply enjoying with a smear of butter.
Pairing it with a small bowl of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs elevates the experience, inviting everyone to dip and savor each bite.
The Kitchen Setting
The environment in which the bread is prepared adds to the overall experience.
A cozy kitchen, filled with warm lighting, creates a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the joy of baking.
This setting not only makes the process enjoyable but also encourages shared moments with family and friends.
Time and Effort
While baking bread may seem daunting, the process can be quite straightforward.
With a bread machine, the effort is minimized, allowing for a delicious loaf with minimal hands-on time.
In just a few hours, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor, making it a rewarding endeavor.
Nutritional Benefits
Beyond the delightful taste and texture, homemade bread offers nutritional advantages.
With basic ingredients like flour, water, and yeast, you can create a wholesome option that is free from preservatives and additives.
Each slice provides a satisfying balance of carbohydrates and protein, making it a great addition to any meal.
Easy Crusty Bread Machine Recipe
This bread machine recipe yields a crusty loaf that is easy to slice and perfect for any meal. The total time for preparation and baking is about 3 hours, and it serves approximately 12 slices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Bread Machine: Pour the warm water into the bread machine pan. Add the sugar, salt, olive oil, bread flour, and then make a small well in the flour to add the yeast.
- Select the Program: Close the lid and select the ‘Basic’ or ‘White Bread’ setting on your bread machine. Choose the crust color preference (light, medium, or dark).
- Start the Machine: Press ‘Start’ and allow the machine to mix, knead, rise, and bake the bread according to the machine’s instructions.
- Cool the Bread: Once baking is complete, carefully remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g