What You’ll Need
- 3 cups of bread flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons of salt
- 1 ¼ cups of warm water
- 1 ½ teaspoons of instant yeast
- A dough scraper
- A large mixing bowl
- A baking stone or baking sheet
- A spray bottle filled with water
The Steps to Crispy Bread Heaven
Step 1: Mixing the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and instant yeast. Gradually add the warm water, stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough comes together.
Step 2: Kneading the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Use the dough scraper to help with the process and add more flour if needed.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Shaping the Loaf
Punch down the risen dough to release air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf by folding the edges towards the center. Once shaped, transfer the loaf to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the loaf with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place your baking stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up.
Step 6: Scoring the Loaf
Using a sharp knife or a razor blade, make a few diagonal slashes on the top surface of the loaf. This will allow the bread to expand and rise evenly while baking.
Step 7: Baking the Bread
Carefully transfer the loaf onto the preheated baking stone or baking sheet. Spray some water onto the sides of the oven to create steam, close the oven door, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown.
Step 8: Cooling and Slicing
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. This is the hardest part, as the aroma will tempt you to slice it immediately! Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy Your Homemade Crispy Bread
Now that you have mastered the art of making crispy bread at home, it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor. Whether you enjoy it plain or toasted, this homemade bread will surely impress your family and friends. So go ahead and indulge in the divine crunch of your very own crispy bread!