Simple Homemade Crunchy Bread Recipe

This easy bread recipe yields a crispy crust and soft interior, making it perfect for sandwiches or as a side to any meal. With minimal ingredients and effort, you’ll have freshly baked bread in no time!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 2 hours
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6 small loaves

Ingredients

• Sugar: 1 tbsp
• Dry Yeast: 1 tsp
• Lukewarm Water: 250 ml (1 cup)
• Flour: 450 g (about 3 1/2 cups)
• Salt: 1 tsp (3 g)

Directions

• Activate the Yeast:
  • In a mixing bowl, combine lukewarm water, sugar, and dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
• Mix the Dough:
  • Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a spatula until the dough comes together.
• First Rise:
  • Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rest in a warm place for 30 minutes.
• Stretch and Fold:
  • Wet your hands and stretch the dough from four sides, folding it into the center after each stretch.
  • Cover and let it rest for another 30 minutes. Repeat the folding process.
• Final Rise:
  • Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
• Shape the Dough:
  • Sprinkle flour on your work surface and divide the dough into 6 equal parts.
  • Shape each piece into a ball, flatten slightly, and roll into a loaf shape.
  • Place the loaves on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
• Final Proofing:
  • Cover the loaves and let them rest for 30 minutes.
• Bake:
  • Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
  • Score the tops of the loaves with a sharp knife.
  • Sprinkle with flour, splash with water, and cover with another tray.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the top tray and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Cool and Serve:
  • Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy the crunch and softness!

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for making sandwiches with cucumber, tomato, cheese, and a fried egg.
• Serve with soups, stews, or salads.
• Pair with butter, jam, or spicy tomato sauce.

Cooking Tips

• Use lukewarm water to activate the yeast effectively.
• Perform the folding steps gently to trap air bubbles for a soft interior.
• Cover the bread while baking initially for a crisp crust.

Nutritional Benefits

• Flour: Provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Yeast: Adds protein and vitamin B.
• Sugar: Enhances flavor and aids in yeast activation.