Simple Crusty Bread
Why I Love This Recipe
Ingredients You'll Need
2 pkg yeast
1 1/2 tablespoons of coarse salt
3 cups lukewarm water
6 1/2 cups flour + additional for dusting
Directions
Mix yeast & water in large bowl.
Add salt and flour until flour is absorbed.
Dough will be very soft.
Cover and let rise at room temperature until well doubled (2-5 hours)
Punch down & cut off a piece the size of a grapefruit (You can make 1-4 loaves now, or save covered in refrigerator up to 2 weeks & bake later)
When ready to bake, turn dough on a floured surface until rounded and smooth.
Heat oven to 450°. Place large pan on floor of oven with 1-2 cups of water in it.
Place dough on lightly greased sheet or loaf pan. Let rise 40 minutes if fresh, 1 hour if it has been refrigerated.
Make 2-3 slashes or a cross on top of loaf with serrated knife.
Bake until well browned, about 30 minutes.
Cool before cutting.
