Hard-Crust Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• 500 g bread flour
• 10 g salt
• 7 g instant yeast
• 350 ml warm water (not too hot)

Instructions

1) Mix the Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Add the yeast separately (do not mix it directly with the salt).
3. Pour in the warm water and mix until a rough dough forms.
4. The dough does not need heavy kneading—just enough to bring it together.

2) First Rise

1. Cover the dough with a clean towel.
2. Let it rest in a warm place for 1.5–2 hours until it doubles in size.

3) Shape the Dough

1. Lightly flour your work surface.
2. Gently handle the dough and shape it into a ball.
3. Place the ball in a lightly oiled bowl and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Baking for a Hard Crust

Standard Oven Method

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) for at least 20 minutes.
2. Place an empty metal tray inside the oven to heat (this will create steam).
3. Place the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Before putting the bread in, pour 1 cup of hot water into the hot tray to create steam.
5. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the crust is a deep golden brown.

Dutch Oven Method (Optional)

1. Preheat a Dutch oven inside the oven at 450°F (230°C).
2. Place the dough inside the Dutch oven with the lid on for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the lid and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

Tips for a Hard Crust

• Do not open the oven in the first 20 minutes to help develop a crunchy crust.
• Steam at the start gives a crisp, shiny crust.
• Higher oven temperatures create a firmer crust.

Time Required

• Preparation + Rising: ~3 hours
• Baking: 30–40 minutes