Twice-Weekly Treat: The Easy and Delicious Bread You’ll Crave!
Ingredients:
- Dry Ingredients:
- Bread Flour or Wheat Flour (300g): Provides structure and chew to the bread. Bread flour is ideal due to its higher gluten content, but wheat flour can be used for a softer texture.
- Yeast (3g): The leavening agent that makes the bread rise.
- Salt (3g): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Sugar (12g): Feeds the yeast and helps it activate for a proper rise.
- Wet Ingredients:
- Milk (140g): Warm milk activates the yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
- Egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the bread.
- Unsalted Butter (30g): Creates a tender and flavorful crumb.
- Other:
- Softened Butter (80g): Used for spreading on the dough before the second rise, adding a touch of savory flavor and flakiness.
- Black Pepper and Scallions (Chopped): For an irresistible savory topping. You can customize this with other herbs or spices like dried rosemary or everything bagel seasoning.
- Egg Wash (Beaten Egg): Brushed on the dough before baking to create a golden brown and shiny crust.
- Sesame Seeds: Add a delightful crunch and visual appeal to the finished bread.
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast (10 minutes): In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy. This activates the yeast, ensuring a proper rise for your bread.
- Combine Dry Ingredients (2 minutes): In a separate bowl, whisk together your chosen flour and salt.
- Make the Dough (10 minutes by hand, 4 minutes with a stand mixer): Add the flour mixture and the egg to the yeast mixture. Using a dough whisk or a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Gradually incorporate the softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, until fully combined.
- First Rise (1-2 hours): Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Shape and Second Rise (1 hour 15 minutes): Punch down the dough, shape it into your desired form (loaf or batard), and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes.
- Prepare the Topping and Bake (45 minutes): Brush the risen dough with egg wash and sprinkle with your topping mixture of black pepper, chopped scallions, and sesame seeds. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and bake the bread for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy! Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving