There’s nothing more comforting than the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. This easy homemade bread recipe creates soft, fluffy, and deliciously golden loaves that are perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with a simple pat of butter. One special technique to make these loaves unique is boiling the dough before baking. This step gives the bread a glossy, firm crust while keeping the inside soft and airy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples like flour, yeast, and water, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the mood strikes.
- Boiling for Extra Texture: Boiling the bread before baking creates a firmer, chewier crust, similar to the technique used in making bagels.
- Perfect Texture: With a tender crumb and crispy crust, this bread is soft on the inside with a perfectly glossy exterior.
- Versatile Use: Use it for sandwiches, breakfast toast, or even as a side to soups and stews. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients
- 500g all-purpose flour
- 300ml warm water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
- 2 tbsp baking soda (for boiling water)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Dissolve the sugar in warm water and add the yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Shape: Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape into loaves and set aside while preparing the boiling water.
- Boil the Bread: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Carefully place the dough loaves into the boiling water for about 30 seconds on each side. Remove them using a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Let the boiled loaves rest for 15-20 minutes for a final rise.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Optionally, brush the loaves with an egg wash for a shiny finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Variations
- Whole Wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Herb-Infused: Add chopped rosemary or thyme to the dough for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
- Sweet Bread: Mix in a tablespoon of honey or sugar for a sweeter loaf, perfect for breakfast toast.
Storage
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the loaves. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, simply thaw the bread at room temperature.
Leftovers
Leftover bread can be refreshed by reheating it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Stale bread can also be used to make croutons, bread pudding, or breadcrumbs for other recipes.
Nutritional Info (per slice, approx.)
- Calories: 120
- Carbs: 24g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQ
Q: Why boil the bread before baking?
A: Boiling the dough in baking soda water gives the bread a glossy, chewy crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. It’s a method commonly used in making bagels and pretzels.
Q: Can I skip the boiling step?
A: Yes, you can skip this step, but boiling gives the bread a unique texture and appearance that sets it apart from regular baked loaves.
Q: Can I use different shapes?
A: Absolutely! You can shape the dough into rolls, bagels, or sticks. Adjust the boiling and baking time accordingly.
This homemade bread recipe with a boiling step is a delicious twist on traditional bread baking. The result is a soft, airy interior with a chewy, golden crust that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own. With simple ingredients and a unique boiling technique, you can easily create bakery-quality bread at home!