Crusty Bread Recipe

Name: Crusty Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups bread flour; 1 ½ tsp salt; 2 tsp sugar; 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C); 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

Crusty bread is a warm, satisfying loaf with a golden, crunchy crust and soft, airy interior. People love it for breakfast, sandwiches, or alongside soups and stews. I often make it on weekends or cozy evenings, letting the aroma of fresh-baked bread fill the kitchen. This recipe is simple enough for busy days but comforting enough for family meals.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This crusty bread recipe is cozy, simple, and flexible. It produces a loaf with a crisp, crackling crust and soft inside, perfect for dipping, spreading, or serving with meals. You can make it ahead, freeze slices, or adjust ingredients for taste. Budget-friendly and beginner-friendly, it’s a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, family breakfasts, or anytime you want the comfort of fresh homemade bread. Saving it on Pinterest makes it easy to recreate whenever you need a warm, satisfying loaf.

Ingredients

Tip: Use bread flour for better structure and a chewy crumb.

3 ½ cups bread flour
1 ½ tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. Mix in flour and salt until dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, until doubled in size. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a baking stone or sheet inside.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Crusty bread is easy to prep ahead and bake later. You can mix dough in the morning or evening, let it rise, and bake when convenient. Leftovers store well and freeze nicely, making it perfect for quick sandwiches or last-minute family meals without extra fuss.

Tips & Tricks

Yeast activation: Always check yeast is foamy. Using cold water or expired yeast can prevent rising.
Kneading: Knead until dough is smooth and elastic. Under-kneaded dough won’t develop a good structure.
Steam trick: Place a small pan of water in the oven while baking. Steam creates a crisper crust.
Scoring: Use a very sharp knife for clean slashes. Poor scoring can make bread expand unevenly.

Variations

Meaty version: Add cooked bacon pieces or diced ham into the dough for a savory, hearty loaf. Great for sandwiches.
Vegetarian option: Mix in chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted garlic for flavorful, plant-based bread.
Ingredient swap: Use whole wheat flour for part of the dough. Adjust water slightly for proper hydration and softer crumb.
Flavor or herb boost: Stir in dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano. Fresh herbs also work, creating aromatic, rustic bread.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast spread: Slice and serve warm with butter, jam, or honey for a cozy start to the day.
Soup companion: Perfect alongside creamy soups, stews, or chili for soaking up flavorful broths.
Sandwich bread: Slice and use for sandwiches, paninis, or grilled cheese for a crunchy, satisfying texture.
Cheese board: Serve with cheeses, olives, and fresh fruits for casual entertaining or cozy snacks.

Storage Instructions

Fridge storage: Store in a paper bag or loosely wrapped in a towel. Best eaten within 2–3 days to maintain crustiness.
Reheating: Warm slices in the oven for 5–10 minutes to refresh the crust before serving.
Freezing: Slice cooled bread and freeze in airtight bags for up to 3 months. Toast or reheat as needed.
Make-ahead tips: Prepare dough in advance, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day. Dough may require extra rising time at room temperature before baking.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Rest Time: 1–1.5 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours

Nutrition Information

Calories: 180–220 per slice
Protein: 5–6g per slice
Key nutrients: Carbohydrates and small amounts of iron and B vitamins from flour
Values are estimates and may vary based on flour type, portion size, and optional ingredients.

FAQs

Yes, dough can be refrigerated overnight and baked later.

Oven temperature too low or no steam can cause a soft crust.

Yes, but the crumb may be softer and less chewy.

Possibly under-risen dough or not kneaded enough.

Conclusion

Crusty bread is a comforting, versatile loaf that fills your kitchen with warmth and aroma. It’s easy to customize with herbs, cheese, or add-ins, and leftovers store or freeze well. Perfect for sandwiches, soups, or simply enjoying with butter, this crusty bread recipe is a cozy, homemade staple you’ll return to again and again.

Crusty Bread Recipe

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Bread Recipe

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

A golden, crunchy loaf with a soft, airy interior. Easy to make and perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or serving alongside soups and stews.

Ingredients

3 ½ cups bread flour
1 ½ tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

Directions

Combine water, sugar, and yeast. Let foam 5–10 minutes. Mix in flour and salt, knead 8–10 minutes.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and rise 1–1.5 hours. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
Punch down dough, shape, score top, and place on parchment paper. Brush with oil if desired.
Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and hollow when tapped. Cool on wire rack before slicing.