A well-baked loaf of hard crust bread is one of life’s simple pleasures, and this recipe will guide you through the steps of making a delicious, golden-brown loaf with a crispy exterior and soft, airy interior. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting to explore the world of homemade bread, this recipe is perfect for you.
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:
1. Preparation of Yeast Mix
The first step in any bread-making process is to activate the yeast. This crucial step ensures that your bread will rise properly and develop that beautiful airy texture we all love.
- Heat 2 cups of water to about 110°F (43°C). The water should feel warm to the touch but should not be too hot. If it’s too hot, it may kill the yeast, so be cautious.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and dry yeast. Stir gently until the mixture becomes smooth and the yeast starts to dissolve. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. During this time, you should see the yeast bubble up and froth, which indicates that it is active and ready to be used.
2. Mixing the Dough
Now that the yeast is activated, it’s time to start combining the ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add them to the yeast mixture. Stir them together until fully combined. The eggs will help create a richer dough, giving the bread its soft, airy crumb.
- Next, in another bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. The salt helps to control the yeast’s activity and gives the bread its flavor. Slowly add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture, using a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment if you’re using a stand mixer. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
3. Kneading the Dough
The kneading process is essential for developing the gluten in the flour, which will give the bread structure and help it rise properly.
- Once the dough starts to come together, place it on a lightly floured surface. Begin kneading the dough by pressing it with your palms, folding it over, and turning it as you go. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should no longer feel sticky, and it should spring back slightly when pressed.
- If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook, set the speed to medium and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. You may need to add extra flour during this time to prevent sticking, but be careful not to add too much flour as it can make the dough too dry.
4. First Proof (Rise)
After kneading, the dough needs to rest and rise in a warm, draft-free environment. This allows the yeast to work its magic and makes the dough rise to twice its original size.
- Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside. Turn the dough a few times so that it is lightly coated in oil, which will help prevent it from drying out as it rises.
- Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and leave it to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. During this time, you should see the dough expanding and becoming airy, which indicates that the yeast is active and working well.
5. Shaping the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape it into rolls. This step allows you to create even-sized buns that will bake uniformly.
- Gently deflate the dough by pressing it down with your palms to release any air pockets.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal parts. To do this, you can use a sharp knife or simply divide the dough into quarters and then divide each quarter into three pieces.
- For each portion, shape it into a ball by pulling the edges of the dough towards the center, pinching them together, and then rolling the dough between your hands on the counter to form a smooth ball. Be sure to work gently so that you don’t deflate the dough too much.
- Place the dough balls onto a sheet of baking paper. Arrange them with enough space between each ball so they have room to rise and expand during the second proof.
6. Second Proof (Rise)
The second rise allows the rolls to expand further, ensuring a light and fluffy texture once baked.
- Cover the shaped rolls with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and leave them to rise for about 30-45 minutes. The rolls should become slightly puffed up and look airy, but not too risen. This second rise is shorter than the first because the dough has already developed structure from the first proof.
7. Preheat the Oven
While the dough is undergoing its second rise, it’s a good idea to preheat your oven so it’s hot and ready when the rolls are finished rising.
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you place the rolls inside for baking.
8. Preparing for Cooking
The final touch before baking your rolls is giving them a beautiful golden finish.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with a spoon of water. This egg wash will give the rolls a shiny, golden crust.
- Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the top of each roll with the egg yolk mixture. Be gentle to avoid deflating the dough, but ensure the entire surface is covered.
9. Baking the Rolls
Now it’s time to bake the rolls to perfection. This is where the magic happens, and you’ll soon be able to enjoy your homemade hard crust bread rolls.
- Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. The tops should be shiny and crispy, and when you tap the bottom of a roll, it should sound hollow—this is a sign that the bread is cooked through.
- If you have a convection oven, the rolls may bake more quickly, so be sure to check them at the 15-minute mark to avoid over-baking.
10. Cooling
Once the rolls are done, carefully remove them from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. The hard crust will continue to develop as the rolls cool, creating that satisfying crunch on the outside while the inside remains soft and tender.
Enjoying Your Hard Crust Bread
Once your bread rolls are cool enough to handle, it’s time to enjoy them! The hard crust bread can be served with a variety of dishes, making it the perfect addition to any meal. Here are some ideas for serving:
- As a side for soups and stews: The crusty texture of the bread is perfect for dipping into hearty soups or stews.
- With cheese or butter: Serve the rolls with a selection of cheeses, or slather them with butter for a simple but satisfying snack.
- For sandwiches: These rolls make the perfect base for sandwiches. Try a classic combination of ham and cheese, or get creative with your favorite fillings.
- As a breakfast bread: Toast the rolls and top them with jam, honey, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a quick breakfast treat.
Troubleshooting Tips:
Baking bread can sometimes be a bit tricky, but with a little patience and practice, you’ll be able to perfect this hard crust bread recipe. Here are a few tips to troubleshoot common problems:
- Bread not rising properly: Ensure your yeast is fresh and your water is at the correct temperature (around 110°F). If the water is too hot or too cold, it can kill the yeast or slow down the activation process.
- Dough too sticky: If your dough is too sticky during kneading, add more flour a little at a time. However, avoid adding too much, as this can result in dense bread.
- Crust too hard: If you want a slightly softer crust, reduce the baking time by a few minutes or lower the oven temperature by 10°C (50°F).
- Bread too dense: This could be a sign that the dough wasn’t kneaded enough, or it was overworked. Be sure to knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, and allow it to rise properly.
Storage:
If you have leftover rolls (which is unlikely, given how delicious they are), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To refresh the bread, simply pop it in the oven for a few minutes to revive the crispy crust.
Conclusion:
This hard crust bread recipe results in a beautiful loaf with a crunchy, golden crust and soft, airy interior. Whether you enjoy it as a side with dinner, a base for a sandwich, or as a snack with butter, this homemade bread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. With the right ingredients, a little patience, and a few simple steps, you can enjoy the unbeatable taste of freshly baked bread right from your own oven. Happy baking!
