This homemade bread recipe is perfect for pairing with your favorite soups. It’s easy to make and results in a crusty exterior with a soft, fluffy interior, ideal for soaking up delicious broth.
The recipe requires basic ingredients and simple techniques, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
The Allure of Homemade Bread
There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen. It evokes feelings of warmth and comfort, making it an ideal companion for any meal, especially soup.
Homemade bread not only enhances the dining experience but also brings a sense of accomplishment. Crafting your loaf from scratch allows you to enjoy the process and the delightful results.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, the joy of pulling a golden loaf from the oven is unmatched. The crusty exterior and soft, fluffy interior create a perfect balance that complements a variety of soups.
Ingredients You Need
Creating this delicious bread requires a few basic ingredients that are commonly found in most kitchens.
You’ll need all-purpose flour, salt, instant yeast, and warm water. These simple components come together to form a dough that rises beautifully, resulting in a loaf that’s both crusty and soft.
Having extra flour on hand for dusting is also helpful, ensuring your dough doesn’t stick during the shaping process.
The Baking Process
Making homemade bread is a straightforward process that can be broken down into a few key steps.
Start by mixing the flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl before adding warm water. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then let it rise until doubled in size.
After the first rise, shape the dough into a round loaf and allow it to rise again. This second rise is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture.
Creating the Perfect Crust
The secret to a crusty exterior lies in the baking method. Preheating your oven with a Dutch oven or heavy pot inside creates a steamy environment that helps develop a beautiful crust.
Once the dough is ready, carefully transfer it into the hot pot, cover it, and bake. The initial covered baking allows the bread to rise, while the final uncovered baking gives it that golden finish.
Patience is key here; the aroma that fills your kitchen will be well worth the wait.
Serving Suggestions
Once your bread has cooled, it’s time to slice and serve. The fluffy interior makes it perfect for soaking up broth from your favorite soups.
Pair it with a hearty vegetable soup, creamy tomato bisque, or a classic chicken noodle for a comforting meal.
For an added touch, consider spreading a bit of butter or olive oil on each slice before serving.
Storing Your Bread
To keep your homemade bread fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature for a couple of days.
If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore that fresh-baked taste.
Easy Crusty Bread Recipe
This bread features a simple dough made with flour, water, yeast, and salt. It takes about 2 hours from start to finish, including rising time, and yields one large loaf that can serve as a delightful accompaniment to any soup.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- Extra flour for dusting
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Add the warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Shape it into a round loaf by folding the edges toward the center.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough on a floured surface, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid inside to heat up.
- Bake the Bread: Carefully remove the hot pot from the oven. Transfer the dough into the pot (you can use parchment paper for easier handling). Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the pot and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite soup.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g