Hard Crust Bread Recipe (Artisan-style)

This rustic hard crust bread is known for its thick, golden, crunchy crust and soft, airy interior. It’s simple to make, requiring only a few ingredients and some patience to achieve that bakery-quality loaf right in your own kitchen. This recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

INGREDIENTS:

1 egg yolk (for coating)

2 cups water

2 eggs

1 teaspoon sugar

5 cups bread flour (plus extra for kneading)

2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) dry yeast

2 teaspoons salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preparation of Yeast Mix
Heat 2 cups of water to 110°F (43°C) – it should be warm to the touch but not boiling.
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar and yeast. Stir until the mixture turns into powder and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
Mixing the dough
Add 2 eggs to the yeast mixture and mix well.

Mix bread flour and salt in a separate bowl.

Slowly add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture with a wooden spoon or using the dough hook of the mixer. Mix until a dough forms.

Kneading the dough
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 8-10 minutes until it becomes soft and smooth. If using a stand mixer, beat the flour on medium speed for 5-7 minutes.

Add more flour if necessary to prevent sticking.

First proof
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and leave to rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in volume.

Shape the rolls.
Flatten the dough to remove air. Divide the dough into 12 equal parts.

Form each piece into a ball by pulling the edges towards the center and squeezing them together. Then roll the dough with your hands on the counter and turn it into a smooth ball.

Place the rolls on baking paper, leaving space between each roll.

Second proof
Cover the rolls with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until slightly risen.
Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C.

Prepare for cooking
Beat the egg yolks with a spoon of water in a small bowl.
Brush the top of each bun with the egg yolk mixture to create a beautiful finish.
Baking the rolls
Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and soundless when touched.
Remove from the oven and let cool on a rack.

Recommendations for the Ideal Hard Crust Bread:

Steam for a Crispy Crust: Steam is essential for achieving a crust that is stiff and crunchy. For those who do not like to spray water inside the oven, you can generate steam by placing a small pan of boiling water on the bottom rack of the oven while you are baking.

The temperature of the oven: Check to see that your oven has been warmed to the appropriate temperature. When it comes to generating that gorgeous and crisp surface, a hot oven is really necessary.

Enhanced Flavor in a Longer Rise: The dough will have a more robust taste and a more satisfying texture if you allow it to rise more slowly in the refrigerator overnight, if you have the time. Before you bake the dough, you must make sure that it has been brought to room temperature.
Variations on Flour: If you want a more complex flavor, you can add some whole wheat flour or rye flour to the mixture. However, you should be aware that this will influence the texture and the amount of time it takes for the dough to rise.

Scoring the dough for bread is not merely a beautiful touch; it has a practical purpose as well. Because of the cuts, the bread is able to expand while it is baking, which prevents it from cracking in areas that are not even.

When working with the dough, it is important to avoid overworking it. This is because the air pockets that form during the rise process should be preserved. Overworking it can result in a loaf that is more dense.

ENJOY AND PLEASE SHARE THIS RECIPE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR MORE EASY RECIPES.