Crusty Bread

1h 45m
Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Combine flour, water, sugar, yeast, and salt in a bowl and mix with a wooden spoon.
  2. 2Switch to kneading with hands until the water is fully absorbed and the dough comes together.
  3. 3Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  4. 4With damp fingertips, perform a set of stretch and folds all around the dough.
  5. 5Cover the dough and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
  6. 6Perform a second set of stretch and folds.
  7. 7Cover the dough and let it sit for another 30 to 45 minutes.
  8. 8Form the dough into a loaf, approximately 9x5 inches.
  9. 9Place the loaf on a lightly floured parchment paper on a baking sheet.
  10. 10Flour the top of the loaf, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for one to two hours.
  11. 11Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit with a 9x13 inch pan filled with 3 cups of water on the bottom rack.
  12. 12Score the bread with a knife.
  13. 13Place the bread on the middle rack of your oven and bake with the water bath for 20 minutes.
  14. 14Remove the water bath pan and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until deeply golden.
  15. 15Allow to cool a bit before slicing into it.

Ingredients

  • 3.5 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 2 tsp instant yeast
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1.5 cups warm water
  • 3 cups water for water bath

Equipment

bowlwooden spoonbaking sheettoweloven9x13 inch baking panknife